IN Peters Township by IN Community Magazines

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012

eters Township COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Clark Renovations Gets the Job Done Plus Peters Township Newsletter Inside!

eters Township

eters Township FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the August/September issue of IN Peters Township magazine. As I write this, we are having one of the hottest summers on record, and it doesn’t look like the record-breaking temperatures will end just because the leaves will be changing colors soon. So, although fall is approaching, I want to reiterate some summer tips from the health department to help you stay safe in the heat. The last two points are probably the most critical because they deal with children and the elderly. Stay cool indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned environment. Fans don’t help much when temperatures are in the 90s. A cool bath or shower is a more effective way to cool off, if you don’t have air conditioning. Better yet, visit someplace that does, such as a senior center, theater, mall or neighbor’s house. Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight cups a day, but avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks which actually cause you to lose more fluids. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, which add heat to your body. Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. A wide-brimmed hat provides shade and helps keep the head cool. Sunscreen can prevent sunburn, which can affect your body’s ability to cool itself and also cause a loss of body fluids. Avoid strenuous physical activity, particularly during the hotter part of the day. Never leave a child, or a pet, in a vehicle alone on a hot day. A child may become disoriented in just 5 minutes, unconscious in 10 and brain-damaged in 20. Use the buddy system and check on the elderly and the infirm who do not have air conditioning and are less able to take care of themselves. For senior citizens, local governments also establish cooling centers to help people to beat the heat. Contact your local municipality for the one nearest you before the temperatures top 90 again. As always, enjoy your fall, and this issue of IN Peters Township magazine!

eters Township

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

WE WANT TO KNOW...

Families are important to us here at IN Community Magazines, so we’re curious to know what some of your family traditions are. They can be traditional, quirky or quaint. The sky’s the limit because every family is different. Let us know by e-mailing up to 500 words to mark@incommunitymagazines.com with the subject line – Family Traditions. Submissions will be published in an upcoming issue of IN Peters Township magazine. October//November content deadline: 9/7/12

2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Peters Township

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

INSIDE

AUGUST

SEPTEMB

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eters To wnship COM

MUN

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Clark Ren Gets ovation s the Job Don e Plu

Peter s News s Tow letter nship Inside !

IN Peters Township is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Peters Township area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

IN Peters Township | August/September 2012

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Tom Crea

A Formula for Success ............................... | 33

Christine Brown Murphy

The Medicare “Improvement Myth” ........... | 71

Amie Guarino Yadouga ON THE COVER |

Brighten Up the Shortening Days With Diamonds! ........................................ | 73

Clark Construction’s Steve and Brian Clark with one of their stunning bath creations.

Karen K. Luther, D.P.M. Summer Foot Care Tips .............................. | 74

UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012

Bob & Lori Santo Get Ready for Fall

Focusing on Reading Readiness for Children .................................................... | 76

Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.

What’s Inside

Nick Martin LPT, OMPT & Mark Mascio LPT, CWCE

2 Elevating Cancer Surgery

for Women to a New Level

3 Give Your Back a Break Using Your Blood for Natural Healing

4 A Partnership of Hope and Transformation

6 Magee’s Newest Baby

Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests

7 Your Doctor and You:

A Healthy Relationship

Take the Right Steps to Avoid Planter Fasciitis ......................................... | 78

Debra Swift B.C.-H.I.S.

FEATURES

Clark Renovations .................................................................

500 Bid Card Group ..............................................................

Back to School ........................................................................

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 to Celebrate Open House Dedication ...................................

A Sign of Accomplishment ................................................

PT Gymnast Places Nationally ..........................................

Ride for Wreaths and Roar for the Military ................... | 42 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use .............. | 45 Tackling a Rare Disease .......................................................

Community Day ......................................................................

With Every New Era Comes Change ............ | 82

Garrett S. Hoge, RFC, CFP®, MS The Stock Market and Presidential Elections

| 84

Brad Carmichael, DVM Raising Lyme Awareness ........................... | 86 Kim Rask

Communication ......................................... | 88

Mortland Physical Therapy Building ................................................ | 93

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Anderson Chiropractic .................... | 44

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Peters Township Municipal ..................................................

Peters Township Parks & Recreation ................................

Peters Township Library ........................................................

Announcements .....................................................................

Special Value Coupons ..........................................................

Mortland Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine ................................ | 56 Dr. Jay Feuer Family Dentistry ..... | 61 Brookside Lumber ............................. | 67

6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Peters Township

This Peters Township bathroom remodel was designed to accomplish the owner’s specific goals for the space. The O’Neils wanted to eliminate their seldom used soaking tub and increase the size of the shower. They also wanted to add an additional sink and improve storage space while relocating the toilet to a more private corner. Chris Clark, the sales manager and designer responsible for this project, was able to accommodate everything on the customer’s wish list. Kohler plumbing products and custom built cabinetry were combined with beautiful floor and wall tile to create a master bath retreat with ample storage, improved traffic flow, and fantastic visual appeal.

The radiant floor heating helps to keep the room comfortable in the cooler months and the addition of dimmable task lighting provides the option of adjusting the intensity to your preference. The combination of a larger vanity, linen cabinet, and opposing hidden mirrored medicine cabinets creates abundant storage. Dual Nutone fans placed on timers insure the air remains fresh and humidity free. A metal listello running the perimeter of the shower coordinates perfectly with the brushed nickel fixtures and the grey tone tile provides an appealing contrast to the white Kohler Devonshire shower base and toilet. A Fluence clear glass bypass shower door provides necessary water control while maintaining a spacious atmosphere. The Corian vanity top with integral under mount bowls creates contrast against the darker wood vanity base. For this project, Clark Renovations made special accommodations for their customer who wanted to incorporate cabinetry hand built by the owner’s father into the design.

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel in your future, visit their showroom to become inspired. Expert designers, craftsmen, trades partners, and suppliers will keep your project on track and on budget. Backed by an industry leading 5 year warranty, you can rest assured your project will last the test of time. For more information about Clark Renovations Inc. call (412) 833-7222 or visit them online at www.clarkremodeling.com.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Peters Township Municipal Pages

From the TownshipManager

Important Municipal Dates 8/7

Municipal Real Estate Tax due at face value

8/8

Concert – 7 p.m. Peterswood Park

Peters Township Subject to State Limitations

8/11

Fishing Derby – 10 a.m. Peters Lake Park

Peters Township is a Home Rule Community. This gives us a little more flexibility than a “code community” such as boroughs and townships. However we are an entity of the state and that does create limitations and requirements. As you can see, in this issue of IN Peters Township magazine, Township actions are often dictated by the state. This includes items such as sewage service, zoning authority and comprehensive planning. The Sewage Facilities Act gives the Department of Environmental Protection oversight of sewage planning. There is a strong preference for joint plants such as the Clairton system. Participation in such facilities has the potential for cost savings, but also limits our ability to directly control what happens. The Municipalities Planning Code and Oil and Gas Act also limit Township authority in controlling how our community can develop and our quality of life. The Peters Township Council has a strong desire to represent the residents’ interest in this respect, which precipitated participation in the challenge to the Act 13 zoning preemption. Peters Township has had a long history of doing planning for the future, but even that is now a mandated item. The Municipalities Planning Code now requires municipalities to do comprehensive planning every 10 years. The state-mandated requirements will often have financial impact on the Township. The new countywide earned income tax collection process actually costs Peters Township more than the previous contract. In addition, due to the way the law is structured, there is a delay in obtaining the funds from outside county agencies; this will result in an actual reduction in earned income tax revenues in 2012 due to the lag in receipts.

8/22

Concert – 7 p.m. Peterswood Park

8/31

School Real Estate Tax due at discount

9/3

Labor Day – Municipal Offices Closed Garbage delayed one day all week

9/10

CRC Session 5 begins

10/5&6 Haunted Trail – 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Legislative Redistricting— Peters Not Split The State Reapportionment Committee has approved a new Reapportionment Plan. In the earlier version struck down by the courts, Peters Township was split into two legislative districts. The Council believed this split would significantly compromise the impact Peters Township would have in the Legislature. The current proposal keeps Peters Township in one Legislative District, the 40th. The Council wants to thank Representative John Maher for his efforts and testimony towards keeping Peters intact. His efforts along with those of individual Council members were instrumental in the final results. Peters also is retained in the 37th Senatorial district.

Peters Township Council Members

Frank Arcuri 8

Peters Township

Robert Atkison

David M. Ball

James F. Berquist

Robert Lewis Chairman

Monica R. Merrell

Gary J. Stiegel, Jr. Vice Chairman

Peters Creek Sanitary TM

The Peters Creek Sanitary Authority is a joint authority formed by Peters Township, Nottingham Township, Union Township and Finleyville Borough. Peters Township Council appoints 3 members to this 10member authority board. Each member serves a 5-year term. The authority provides sewage service for a majority of the eastern portion of the Township. The authority has its own staff and is responsible to maintain the sewer lines that serve the Peters Creek Watershed. Their offices are located in Finleyville, where they meet the 2nd Monday of each month. Shown L to R are Peters Township representatives Chris Labee, Otto Szabo, Chairman and Richard Come.

Council and PCSA Authority

Take Action for Steady Growth

id you know the Peters Creek Sanitary System, which handles all of the Peters Creek Authority's sewage - sewage from Peters Township, Nottingham, Union and Finleyville - as well as sewage from Jefferson Hills Borough, South Park and the City of Clairton, and is processed by the Clairton Sewer Plant? That's one plant for thousands of homes! Due to concerns about capacity of the plant and the main interceptor line, the system is under a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). This action places new demands on the system, adding a number of requirements for reporting and studies and a new Sewage Facilities Plan, also called a 537 Plan. Each year, the Department of Environmental Protection allocates communities a specific number of tap connections based on the communities' needs. At the beginning of this year, the DEP was not satisfied with the Authority's progress and direction being taken to approving a new service agreement amongst the parties, and cut off all new tap-ins. The DEP desired a new Regional 537 Plan and wanted all the current communities served by the authority to collectively participate in that plan, as well as participate financially towards a new sewage treatment plant in Clairton. Peters Creek explored the option of constructing its own plant, as their research indicated this approach would be less costly

in the long term. The DEP denied this approach. Presented with the denial, the Authority changed course and a new service agreement was entered into by all the parties. Engineering designs to correct the existing capacity problems of the plant are proceeding. As of today, the DEP has issued a partial tap allocation and stated it will now consider new housing developments. Your Peters Township Council participated in the discussions and actions along with their counterparts in the other communities to try to resolve this matter. Ultimately a new sewage treatment plant will be constructed and it will result in significant rate increases to cover the cost of construction with a bond issue. A challenge to the DEP position was considered, but it was not in the best interest of the community as it would have stopped construction for the eastern portion of the Township. This lack of new taps would have placed financial pressures on the community, as well as impacting numerous builders and developers, many of whom are residents of the community. These were tough choices, but compromises were made by all parties, which, in the long run, will avoid costly legal battles and ensure that consistent growth in our tax base continues, which benefits us all.

www.peterstownship.com 724.941.4180 Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Peters Township Municipal Pages

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK INITIATIVE The next “National Drug Take Back Initiative” is rapidly approaching. The Police Department keeps a drop-box in the lobby of the police station to make it as convenient as possible for residents to dispose of unwanted medications. The next collection date is Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Police officers will be manning collection sites in Peters Township at the following locations. The collection sites will accept medications in pill or liquid form. They will not accept needles or EpiPens.

McMurray Dairy Bar 601 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 KMART 4041 Washington Road McMurray, PA 15317 WALGREENS 200 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA, 15317

This program is unique in that it provides every individual an opportunity to do something good for their community and society as a whole. Disposing of unwanted medications properly protects the environment and keeps those medications from being abused. Please take the time to clean out your medicine cabinets and drop them off at one of the above locations.

How do traffic signals work? Do they work? These devices that help keep traffic flowing safely are something most motorists never think about. Modern traffic signals are complicated programmed devices. All of the traffic signals in Peters Township have detectors that sense when a car is waiting to pass through an intersection or make a turn. Most of our detectors are in the ground, sensing the metal from a vehicle. Some newer signals use cameras to detect the motion of a vehicle. As smart as these signals can be, one key limitation is the stopping point of a vehicle. Some motorists assume signals just rotate on a time basis, but that is not correct. Proper stopping of a

TOO FAR BACK FROM LINE

vehicle is a critical component of the system. If you stop too far back or too far in front of the stop bar or stop here sign, you will not trip the sensor. In addition, it should be noted that most of the signals on Route 19 are coordinated with multiple signals, so the entire cycling of a signal could take over 1.5 minutes, which seems like a long time when sitting at a red light. Recently we have had complaints about signals malfunctioning, only to find that the signal is working but motorist education is needed. We hope this article may provide a better understanding of how signals work, so that traffic keeps moving.

THIS VEHICLE IS JUST RIGHT

TOO FAR IN FRONT OF LINE

www.peterstownship.com 724.941.4180 10

Peters Township

LSL Planning Selected to Prepare Comprehensive Plan After an extensive search for consultants and joint interviews by Council and the Planning Commission, LSL Planning was selected as the consultants to prepare the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Council will select a steering committee to work with the Planning Department and LSL in developing the plan. There will be ample opportunities during this 14-month process for citizen input and you are encouraged to do so. Information and updates will be available on our web site, www.peterstownship.com. Grant Shiring, land use planner, is the main person in the Planning Department assigned towards this

project. LSL Planning Inc. is a Michigan firm with extensive experience in developing plans for suburban communities such as Peters Township. LSL has teamed with MSI/KKG, The Chesapeake Group, GAI Consultants and Seven Hills. The study will include marketing studies, various development scenarios and schematic plans for specific areas of the community. The goal is to chart a course of action that will position Peters Township to maintain its quality of life in the future while being financially viable and competitive with other communities in the region.

Beyond Zoning–Restrictive Covenants Many properties within Peters Township have restrictive covenants attached. A covenant is a legally binding agreement in which a purchaser of property consents to abide by certain regulations that govern the way in which the property can be used. Covenants are more commonly associated with homeowners associations, or HOAs, but they can exist on any property. Covenants may govern the type of use on a property, what color a home's exterior is painted, or how many pets and exterior holiday decorations are allowed. There are even “senior” housing plans in the U.S. that establish a length of time that grandchildren can visit. With all the possible restrictions, it is important to understand a few key traits of covenants.

Advice for Prospective Buyers

Many buyers are so excited when purchasing property that they fail to research whether covenants exist. They are so pleased with the property location or a nice kitchen and fenced-in backyard that they sign a purchase agreement without realizing covenants may exist that prohibit them from building a shed or pool, operating a home business, or even installing a basketball hoop. Covenants (usually outlined in the deed) are binding upon the purchaser, and the purchaser will become subject to them whether or not they have been reviewed and/or understood. No real estate contract should be signed until a purchaser has reviewed all covenants and zoning laws (difference explained in following section). Your real estate agent or seller should give you a copy of the restrictive covenants before you make an offer. If they are not provided, ask for them. Know what the restrictions are before you purchase property. That way, you can choose a different property should the covenants be too much for you to live with.

Who Enforces Covenants

Many people mistakenly believe that the Township is responsible for and has the power to enforce restrictive covenants. This is not the case. Whether through an HOA or single property owner, it is the sole responsibility of the parties affected by the covenants to ensure that the terms are followed. The Township legally cannot enforce

covenants because they are private agreements between private entities. It is the responsibility of the parties that agreed to the terms to ensure compliance.

Covenant Versus Zoning Code

Both covenants and the zoning code are employed to control the use of land. Therefore, it is a common misconception that restrictive covenants and the Township’s zoning codes are affiliated documents that work harmoniously together. The truth is that these regulations are completely independent of one another even though they may regulate the same items. There may even be instances where the two conflict. Every property in the Township must comply with the zoning code. Covenants are regulations attached to specific properties by groups or individuals in addition to the zoning code. When the regulations conflict, it is generally acceptable to conclude that the more restrictive regulation applies. For instance, Peters Township permits residential fences to be a maximum of six feet high. A covenant may exist on a property that limits fence height to five feet. In this case, the covenant prevails. By purchasing the property, the owner willingly agreed to abide by the more restrictive covenant and is limited to a five-foot fence. Likewise, a covenant may exist that permits an eightfoot fence. A fence of this height would not be permitted since the zoning code supersedes the covenant and only allows a six-foot fence.

Who Approves Permits

Any building activity must receive approval from the Township. Some items that require a permit are new construction, additions, pool installations, fences, construction of sheds or decks, etc. If you live in a neighborhood with restrictive covenants, you must also consult the overseeing body, such as an HOA or your deed, to ensure that you comply with any applicable covenants that may govern the same items. There are times where the Township is obligated to issue a permit even if it conflicts with a covenant. However, issuance of a permit by the Township does not afford you any legal protection from the enforcement of a private covenant. If you have questions concerning restrictive covenants, please contact the Peters Township Planning Department at 724.942.5005. Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

Peters Township Municipal Pages

LEN L A H C T 13

Township Looks to Courts to Maintain Right to Protect Residents Peters Township is a participant with other communities and organizations in an appeal of the Oil & Gas Act revisions (Act 13). This appeal is currently before the Commonwealth Court which has heard arguments and will soon make a decision. It should be made clear that Peters Township is not opposed to gas drilling. The Council’s opposition was to the preemption of Zoning Authority. As most residents know, the Township spent almost two years to develop zoning regulations concerning gas drilling. This involved obtaining considerable input from the community as well as trying to meet the guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. A tough but fair set of regulations were developed intending to protect the health and safety of our residents and property owners while still permitting drilling throughout the Township. Act 13 would essentially eliminate most of the provisions and processes intended to protect residents. The appeal focuses on eliminating the zoning preemption section only. The Township’s financial participation in this appeal is very limited.

Natural Gas Vehicles Explored Peters Township participated in a multi municipal/agency study to investigate use of Natural Gas Vehicles (NGC). Municipal participants were Upper St. Clair and North Strabane Townships. The study was funded by a grant from the Heinz Endowment and conducted by Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities and Life Cycle Engineering. A detailed study of vehicle usage of all types of vehicles including police cars, fire trucks, Public Works trucks and ambulances was made. Also studied were cost to

purchase or convert vehicles to NGV or propane, as well as providing a fueling station. Currently, it was deemed that converting to NGVs would not be financially feasible. However, depending on future availability in factory-made NGVs and grants, this may be a viable option. The Township will continue to monitor this option with the intent of taking advantage of the benefits of NGVs when it becomes cost feasible. An executive summary of the report is available on the web site.

www.peterstownship.com 724.941.4180 12

Peters Township

Volunteer On Duty Program a Great Success for Peters Township Fire Department

By Matthew J. Fascetti

ohn Eversole, former Chief of Special Functions for the Chicago Police Department and editor of The Fire Chief’s Handbook, once said, “Our department takes 1,120 calls every day. Do you know how many of the calls the public expects perfection on? 1,120. Nobody calls the fire department and says, ‘Send me two dumb firemen in a pickup truck.’ In three minutes they want five brain-surgeon decathlon champions to come and solve all their problems.” Most firefighters would wholeheartedly agree with this assessment, which is why training is so important to the performance of a firefighter. The Peters Township Volunteer Fire Department’s Volunteer On Duty program aims at making all of its volunteer firefighters perfect on each and every call.

The Volunteer On Duty Program began in October of 2009 as a means to provide volunteer members of the Peters Township Fire Department an opportunity to become more

involved in the response and day to day operations of the fire department. The program is designed to provide volunteer firefighters with a scheduled time slot to operate and act as an integral part of the operations of the department. This ensures that each volunteer will have enough hours in to provide adequate experience in order to be able to handle a demanding call. Assistant Fire Chief Noel McMullen, known as Mac, is very proud of the program and optimistic about its continued success. “The Volunteer On Duty Program continues to provide the community with improved response and service because of the dedication of the firefighters working within the program. While the program has been proven to work, the program is only as good as the firefighters who participate in it. We have a terrific group here and hope to continue to recruit great men.” The Volunteer On Duty program creates an atmosphere where the volunteer and career firefighters respond together and work hand-in-hand during emergency and non-emergency incidents. This is invaluable because the volunteers are learning from the best in the business and getting reps in the process. As with anything, the more calls you go on the better firefighter you will be. The program also allows firefighters to receive required training and education to maintain status as an active firefighter. The program has improved manpower and staffing to assist with demands of fire prevention activities, fire station and vehicle maintenance as well as in-house training. The program is designed for a volunteer firefighter to schedule a four hour block of time. The firefighter reports to the main fire station in uniform and responds on calls, performs tasks, chores and standard duties of a firefighter. The program has been very successful since its inception, averaging 22 volunteer duty shifts in its first year. Currently, volunteer firefighters work approximately 30 to 40 shifts per month with an average of ten volunteers per month. The VODP has been a great addition to the department and has provided improved response and day to day operations for both the career and volunteer firefighters. The residents of Peters Township should feel a great sense of relief knowing that they have a dedicated, top-notch fire department serving them each and every day.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Reading, Rec & More Parks and Recreation Department 700 Meredith Drive / Venetia, PA 15367 724.942.5000 www.peterstownship.com COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER HOURS Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.

SESSION 5 (8 weeks) Sept. 6 – Oct. 31, 2012 Registration begins August 2, 2012

CLOSED for the respective holidays Monday, September 3 (Labor Day) CRC will be closed for floor refurbishing September 1 – 4

EASY WAYS TO REGISTER: Online: www.peterstownship.com Walk in: cash/check/Visa/MasterCard accepted Mail in: check and registration form to the Parks and Recreation Department, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia, PA 15367

CLASS AND EVENT REGISTRATION: REGISTERING AT THE FIRST CLASS IS RISKY.

D ON ’T F

O R GE T

12th Annual McMurray Rotary Fishing Derby

This annual event is held at Peter’s Lake Park. All kids grades K-5th grade are eligible to participate. Awards will be given for the FIRST fish caught, MOST fish caught, the SMALLEST and the LARGEST! This is a great event for the family. Don’t miss the chance to win great prizes! All participants will receive a prize for participating! Date: Saturday, August 11 Time: 10 a.m. – Noon Fee: $5 Residents / $10 Non-residents Location: Peters Lake Park

Special Events

What if a program is cancelled? Please register for programs at least one week prior to the start date to avoid cancellation. All classes must meet a predetermined minimum number of participants to be held. The Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel, combine or change any aspect of a program it deems necessary. Residents are given first priority during the registration process for events and classes. Sports programs are open to residents only. Refund policy: Full refunds will be given if requested more than 7 days before a class begins. All refunds requested by participants less than 7 days before a class begins will be assessed a $5 processing fee, plus any supplies already purchased. Refunds will not be given after the second class. Sorry, but refunds are not offered for special one-day classes or events, unless canceled. Call 724.942.5000 for information regarding day trips. Please allow 2-4 weeks for refunds to be processed.

HAUNTED TRAIL XIII END OF THE WORLD

The Mayan calendar predicts the end of the world as December 21st, and with all the strange news events & natural phenomena, it is hard to argue. Peters Township is always ahead of the trend and so are its dearly departed… they are rising up early at an alarming rate!! The school district is on the verge of cancelling school due to Zombies! Peters Township Police have worked tirelessly to keep the Zombies contained in Peterswood Park – but they need help. So, if you are feeling brave enough come to the Peters Township Recreation Center to help out! Day: Friday, October 5 & Saturday, October 6 Time: 7 p.m. Fee: Free

WANTED: HAUNTED TRAIL VOLUNTEERS Do you have a group of friends or belong to a group looking for community service hours? Or just love to scare people? There are various opportunities available: storytellers, scene actors, concession stand, trail monitors, scene prop builders and designers. Meeting Date: Wednesday, September 5 Time: 7 p.m. RSVP: 724.942.5000

www.peterstownship.com 724.942.5000

Peters Township

Reading, Rec & More PRESCHOOL CHILD ID PROGRAM

Children entering into kindergarten and older are invited to come out and meet Officer Dave, and have their fingerprints taken while you learn valuable tips to keep your child safe; register your child before they start school. Pre-Registration is required. Day: Saturday, September 15 Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration Deadline: September 10 Fee: Free

ENVIRO ART

(AGES 3 – 6 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 Have fun going on an adventure! Explore art, the season of fall, trees, harvest moons, nocturnal creatures. Learn about artists Rebecca Lathem, Albert Berstadt, Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Every art class you will complete and take home a finished piece of artwork. Instructor: Sue Ralston Day: Thursday Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Fee: $80 Member / $120 Non-Member

somersaults while developing coordination, balance, and control! There will be an in-class performance on the last day. Instructor: Richelle Tropeck Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 – 11 a.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-Member

MOMMY AND ME!

(AGES 1.5 – 3 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 Adult participation is required for this intro to dance class for young dancers and those who may not be ready to go in by themselves. Exciting props will be used for a fun-filled first dance experience! Instructor: Richelle Tropeck Day: Thursday Time: 11 – 11:30 a.m. Fee: $62 Member / $93 Non-Member

TINY TOTS PRE-BALLET

(AGES 2 – 3 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 An introduction to ballet for our youngest dancers! Students will learn basic ballet steps at the barre and across the floor while using exciting props and doing fun dance games. There will be an inclass performance on the last day. Instructor: Richelle Tropeck Day: Thursday Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-Member

KIDS DANCE AND TUMBLE!

(AGES 2 – 3 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 Students will learn basic dance steps and beginning tumbling. They will learn log rolls, bear walks, crab walks, and

PRINCESS BALLET

(AGES 3 – 5 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 This is a fun-filled and popular Princess themed ballet class. We will use props, dance to Princess music, and learn basic barre, across the floor, and center combinations. There will be an inclass performance on the last day. Instructor: Richelle Tropeck Day: Thursday Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-Member

BALLET

(AGES 6 – 8 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 For beginners or intermediate dancers, this class will focus on ballet technique. Students will learn combinations at the barre, across the floor, and progress to work in the center. There will be an in-class performance on the last day. Instructor: Richelle Tropeck Day: Thursday Time: 4 – 4:45 p.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-Member

HIP HOP AND CHEER!

(AGES 6 – 8 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 Calling all future cheerleaders! This fun-filled class will teach students basic dance steps and cheerleading moves. Students will learn jumps, kicks, and combinations to popular music. There will be an in-class performance on the last day. Instructor: Richelle Tropeck Day: Thursday Time: 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. Fee: $74 Member / $109 Non-member

POP STAR JAZZ AND HIP HOP!

(AGES 6 – 8 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 For beginners or intermediate dancers. In this jazz and hip hop class, students will learn age appropriate dance moves, like you see on TV, to popular music of today! There will be an in-class performance on the last day. Instructor: Richelle Tropeck Day: Thursday Time: 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-member

MUSICAL THEATER

(AGES 6 AND UP) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 Singing and dancing! Open to all

ages, this class will be an introduction to theater. Students will learn basic dance combinations and sing songs from Broadway, TV, and movies. There will be an in-class performance on the last day. Instructor: Richelle Tropeck Day: Thursday Time: 6:15 – 7 p.m. Fee: $74 Member / $109 Non-member

BASKETBALL FOR CHILDREN

(AGES 3 – 6 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 15 Enjoy learning the glorious team sport of basketball. Have a blast learning to make baskets, dribble, pass and play. Enthusiasm, excitement and energy will be a part of every class! Instructor: “Koach” Tim Conroy Day: Monday Time: 1 – 1:45 p.m. Day: Thursday Time: 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Day: Thursday Time: 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Fee: $87 Member / $115 Non-Member

GAME TIME

(AGES 3 – 6 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 20 What time is it? Game Time! Join “Koach” Tim Conroy for a brand- new program featuring kickball, Sharks and Minnows, soccer, relay races, Mr. Fox and much more! “Koach” will help the young athletes learn skills, sportsmanship, and the fun of playing games! Instructor: “Koach” Tim Conroy Day: Monday Time: 10 – 10:45 a.m. Fee: $87 Member / $115 Non-Member

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SOUTH ARTS CLASSES FALL THEMED ART

(AGES 5 – 12 YEARS) Minimum 3 – Maximum 10 This fun fall themed class will explore the spirit of the Autumn season and cute spooky Halloween projects with the mediums of drawing, painting, sculpture and crafts. Instructor: Karen Hartman Day: Monday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $85 Member / $128 Non-Member

CREATE YOUR OWN CARTOONS

(AGES 5 – 11 YEARS) Minimum 3 – Maximum 10 All the basics of cartooning and all kinds of fun will be created in this class. Students will use their full imaginations to sketch cartoon animals, creatures, super heroes and much more! An 11x14 sketch pad and a black marker are required. Instructor: Karen Hartman Day: Tuesday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $85 Member / $128 Non-Member

CREATIVE CLAY & SCULPTURE

(AGES 6 – 12 YEARS) Minimum 3 – Maximum 10 In this fun and messy “hands on class” students will create pinch pots, coil vases, free-form, and animal sculptures from air-dry clay. Instructor: Karen Hartman Day: Wednesday Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Fee: $85 Member / $128 Non-Member

YOUTH AND TEEN BEGINNER FENCING WITH TIGER FENCING CLUB

nocturnal creatures. Learn about artists Rebecca Lathem, Albert Berstadt, Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Every art class you will complete (AGES 8 – 18 YEARS) and take home a finished piece of artwork. Minimum 8 – Maximum 23 Instructor: Sue Ralston Gain focus, discipline, agility, strength, speed, Day: Tuesday Time: 4 – 5 p.m. coordination in this class and develop emotional maturity while having fun learning an Fee: $80 Member /$120 Non-Member Olympic games sport. Work out; one on one will CHOI KWANG DO / MARTIAL ARTS teach fencers to quickly think on strategies INSTRUCTION while maintaining coordination and speed. This martial art is designed for all ages. Great Instructor: Tiger Fencing for fitness, self esteem, attention span, self Materials needed: Required purchase of control, respect of others and learning to fencing glove $13 (paid to instructor). become a leader. There will be belt rank All other equipment is provided: Mask, jacket testings done with positive encouragement and foil weapon. every two months at Choi Kwang Do of South Day: Wednesday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Hills school. Fee: $99 Member / $149 Non-Member Instructor: David Hinerman Day: Thursday YOGA FOR YOUNG ATHLETES Ages: 3 – 5 (AGES 7 - 13 YEARS) Time: 5 – 5:30 p.m. Minimum 5 – Maximum 10 Minimum 2 – Maximum 8 per class Use yoga to increase strength, balance, Ages: 6 – 13 flexibility and mental focus as well as to help Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. injury prevention. Class will be on overall Minimum 2 – Maximum 20 per class athletic fitness with a focus on the benefits of Family class ages 6 and above each pose to the particular sport(s) class Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. participants are in. Minimum 2 – Maximum 20 per class Instructor: Anne Chaikowsky, At OM Yoga Fee: $90 Member / $135 Non-Member Day: Monday Time: 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Uniform Fee: $25 uniform not included; paid Fee: $60 Member / $90 Non-Member to instructor

CREATE YOUR OWN CARTOON AND SKETCH BOOK JOURNAL (AGES 12 – 16 YEARS) Minimum 3 – Maximum 10 Creative Teens will learn the basics of cartooning and use their imaginations to create their own unique character. The Sketch Book will become your own personal journal with doodles, drawings and word art. An 11x14 sketch book and a black Sharpie marker are required. Instructor: Karen Hartman Day: Tuesday Time: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $85 Member / $128 Non-Member

TEEN PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT

Walk the trail and search! Enjoy the outdoors while you try to look for items on our list. Bring a camera and a friend. We will begin at shelter 4. Hunt is throughout the park. Day: September 17 Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $2 Resident / $3 Non-Resident Registration Deadline: September 10

ENVIRO ART CLASSES

(AGES 7 – 13 YEARS) Have fun going on an adventure! Explore art, the season of fall, trees, harvest moons,

www.peterstownship.com 724.942.5000 16

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Adult Fitness POWER HOUR BOOT CAMP

Minimum 10 – Maximum 20 Kick it up a notch with this 60 minute class that WILL challenge your body and soul to become stronger, leaner and more powerful. All types of equipment and challenges are utilized! Modifications will be shown. Instructor: Suzie Bode, AFAA certified instructor Day: Monday OR Wednesday Time: 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Fee: $50 Member / $75 Non-Member

DIRTY 30 BOOT CAMP

CARDIO PUMP

Minimum 6 – Maximum 20 This class will keep you moving with intervals of step, kickboxing and plyometrics combined with shorter intervals of sculpting. Weights, stability ball, or resistance band to keep on moving right into the next cardio interval! All fitness levels are welcome! Certified Instructor with over 20 years of experience, Jennifer Alexander. Day: Tuesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $40 Member / $60 Non-Member

Minimum 10 – Maximum 20 Everyone has time for this 30 minute POWER class of cardio, strengthening and core exercises. Stations, drills and so much more... you might even have fun!! Modifications will be shown. Instructor: Suzie Bode, AFAA certified Day: Thursday Time: 9:30 – 10 a.m. Fee: $25 Member / $38 Non-Member

CARDIO KICKBOXING

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE YOGA

TOTAL BODY SCULPTING

Minimum 6 – Maximum 20 Certified yoga instructor, Terry Gustas, offers a blend of various styles of yoga Kripalu, Ashtanga, Sivananda and Yin yoga. Increase strength, flexibility and endurance and reduce the effects of stress using breath work, meditation, and yoga posture. YOGA MAT REQUIRED! Day: Tuesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $50 Member / $75 Non-Member

BUTTS, GUTS, AND ENDURANCE

Start with 30 minutes of fast-paced cardio and finish with 30 minutes of abs, thighs and butts! The endurance segment will combine running, calisthenics and plyometrics, followed by 30 minutes of lower-body toning and sculpting. Certified Instructor: Jennifer Alexander Day: Monday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $40 Member / $60 Non-Member

Minimum 4 – Maximum 12 A high-energy workout for everyone! We will use (non-contact) kicking and punching moves to get a fabulous cardio, flexibility and strength workout. You WILL see results! Instructor: Jen Milavec Day: Tuesday Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Fee:: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member Minimum 6 – Maximum 18 Join this strength training workout designed to shape and tone the body without building muscular size or bulk. The class will challenge your body by using free weights, resistance bands and the body ball. Any fitness level can enroll. Certified Instructor with over 20 years of experience, Jennifer Alexander. Day: Friday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $40 Member / $60 Non-Member

YOGA - EVENING

Minimum 8 – Maximum 30 Basic yoga is an all-level class. It includes sunsalutations, standing and seated postures, breath-work and light meditation. Yoga helps improve flexibility, balance, and strength while reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat. Instructor: Lynn Duda Day: Tuesday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member

INTRODUCTION TO BALLROOM DANCING

(AGES 14 – ADULTS) Minimum 6 – Maximum 24 Forget your troubles! Learn ballroom for exercise, cruise, wedding, social etiquette, school dance, or just for fun!! This course gives an introduction to the most popular dances requested at this time. It includes the slow and fast social dances in Ballroom and Latin styles. Instructor: Kathy Burchill of Dryden Dance Center

BALLROOM III

Learn basic steps and patterns in Quickstep, Rumba, Tango and Samba Day: Tuesday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $75 Member / $113 Non-Member

BALLROOM I

Learn basic steps and patterns in the four most used dances; Foxtrot Swing/Freestyle, Waltz and Cha Cha Cha/Salsa Day: Tuesday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $75 Member / $113 Non-Member

BALLROOM II (BALLROOM I REQUIRED)

Review dances in Ballroom I and add new patterns. Day: Tuesday Time: 8 – 9 p.m. Fee: $75 Member / $113 Non-Member

STEP IT UP + ABS

Minimum 6 – Maximum 18 High energy, heart pumping classes using step choreography to keep you moving and grooving to the beat of the music! No two classes are ever the same! Intermediate to advanced levels. Instructor: Marjorie Kay Yaksich, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America Certified. Day: Tuesday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Day: Thursday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $30 Member / $45 Non-Member

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Reading, Rec & More Adult Fitness BALLET WORKOUT

(AGES 14 – ADULT) Minimum 3 – Maximum 20 You will be guided through a full body workout. Warm-up exercises, building stamina and increasing your balance. Enjoy the beauty, benefits, and pleasure of ballet exercise for toning/elongating muscles, cardiovascular fitness and mental alertness. No prior experience required. Instructor: Janet E. Furtney of Improvement thru Movement Day: Wednesday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $64 Member / $96 Non-Member

ZUMBA

Minimum 10 – Maximum 75 ZUMBA— is a fusion of Latin and International music and dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system. *Includes Zumba Toning which utilizes lightweight toning sticks/or dumbbells. Sticks can be purchased from instructor or bring 1-3 lb. hand weights. Certified Zumba Instructor: Debbie Colditz Day: Tuesday Time: 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Day: Wednesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $50 Member / $75 Non-Member

ZUMBA

A fusion of Latin and International music and dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system. Day: Friday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $50 Member /$75 Non-Member

ZUMBA (90 MINUTES)

This is the one hour Zumba class followed by an additional 30 minutes of Zumba Toning. It is a total body workout that will elevate the participant’s fitness regime. Bring 1-3 lb. hand weights or Zumba Toning sticks. Day: Friday Time: 9 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $75 Member / $113 Non-Member

IRON YOGA

Minimum 6 – Maximum 20 Add a little zing to traditional yoga! Yoga poses are done with light hand weights to develop muscle definition, flexibility and balance. This is done through controlled movements, with an emphasis on breath and body awareness. Bring a yoga mat. Instructor: Gayle Zacharia, RYT 18

Peters Township

Day: Monday Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Fee: $53 Member / $80 Non-Member

MIXED LEVEL – YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

Minimum 8 – Maximum 15 This Hatha Yoga class joins the breath (prana) to the postures (asanas) to create a flowing practice. This class is designed to increase strength, flexibility and balance for overall health, well being and harmony. Instructor: Gayle Zacharia, Certified RYT Day: Wednesday Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. OR Day: Thursday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $55 Member / $83 Non-Member

TAI CHI FOR WELLNESS

Minimum 6 – Maximum 15 Tai Chi for Health improves balance and strength, and generates vitality and mental focus through gentle flowing movement. This “meditation in motion” is a time tested practice to energize your body and calm your mind. Relaxing yet challenging, it can be rewarding for all ages and fitness levels. Instructor: Tracy Eisenman Day: Thursday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member

LINE DANCING – IN THE MORNING

Minimum 7 – Maximum 15 Line dancing will open your life to a whole new world!! Great fun, good exercise for the mind and the body! Line dancing has been proven to be the best exercise to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease! Two left feet?? No problem! Instructor: Frieda Hayson Day: Thursday Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Fee: $55 Member / $83 Non-Member

BEST BODY PILATES

Minimum 8 – Maximum 20 Reduce tension and joint pain with 30 minutes of dumbbell and kettlebell moves followed by 30 minutes of upbeat pilates. No need to watch the clock since Nancy will keep you

laughing as you melt away inches and stress. Day: Thursday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member

SKINNY JEANS KETTLELATES: KETTLEBELLS, PILATES & YOGA “NEW!”

Minimum 8 – Maximum 20 30 minutes of kettlebells, and ab circuits, followed by 30 minutes of upbeat pilates & yoga. Once you try Kettlebells you will be hooked! Build muscle and join the elite! Low impact and efficient! Bring kettlebell. Contact Nancy for recommended weights. Instructor: Nancy Griffin Day: Monday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member

KETTLELATES: KETTLE BELLS, PILATES & YOGA

Minimum 8 – Maximum 30 Best workout ever! 30 minutes of kettlebells, and ab circuits, followed by 30 minutes of upbeat pilates & yoga. Once you try kettlebells you will be hooked! Build strength and join the elite! Bring kettlebell. Contact Nancy for recommended weights. Instructor: Nancy Griffin Day: Tuesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member

MEN’S OVER 30 BASKETBALL

Drop-in program meets on Thursdays from 7 – 9 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 3 p.m. Must be a township resident and a member of the Community Recreation Center.

MEN’S ADULT VOLLEYBALL

A drop-in format. Meets on Thursdays from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Must be a township resident and a member of the Community Recreation Center. Coordinator: Dave Davis.

www.peterstownship.com 724.942.5000

PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES AND ONE-DAY EVENTS IMPROVE YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY STRATEGIES

(AGES 13 – 18 YEARS) Experts agree that the single most important step toward personal safety is making the decision to have safety strategy in place before you need it. Instructor: Peters Township Police Department and Michael Haritan, certified NRA “Refuse To Be A Victim” instructor. Day: September 20 Time: 7 p.m. Registration Deadline: September 17

HYPNOSIS

Learn how to use your imagination to improve your ability to cope with stress, anxiety and selfdoubt. Hypnosis can do extraordinary things without great effort. Deep relaxation helps control stress. You can reach it with hypnosis. Instructor: Lois Reich, Certified Hypnotist, Member of the Natl. Guild of Hypnotists Day: Sunday, September 23 Time: 3 – 4 p.m. Day: Tuesday, September 25 Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Day: Sunday, October 14 Time: 3 – 4 p.m. Day: Tuesday, Oct. 23 Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $15 Member / $23 Non-Member

REIKI

Reiki, a Universal Energy healing method, is helpful for stress, emotional issues and even cancer. Local hospitals offer this treatment. You can learn Reiki easily and help yourself and others. Instructor: Lois Reich, Master Reiki Teacher Day: Sunday, September 30 Time: 3 – 4 p.m. Day: Thursday, October 18 Time: 7 – 8 p.m.

HOW A PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE CAN HELP YOU TO PREVENT, RESOLVE, OR FIGHT YOUR CHRONIC CONDITION

Do you or a loved one have high blood pressure? elevated cholesterol? chest pain? type II diabetes? osteoporosis? cancer? battles with weight? Clinical research studies demonstrate this can be an alternative to a lifetime of drugs, repeated surgeries, and side effects. Instructor: Tracey Eakin Attend one or all sessions. Day: Wednesday, September 19 Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Day: Sunday, October 14 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Fee: $25 Members / $38 Non-Members

DIETARY EXCELLENCE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

One of the greatest gifts you can give to your children is the gift of good nutrition. A plantbased lifestyle can provide them with vibrant health and can help them to avoid the chronic, degenerative diseases that plague our society. Attend one or all sessions. Day: Sunday, September 16 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Day: Wednesday, October 17 Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Fee: $25 Members / $38 Non-Members

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Learn how to make your home landscape productive, as well as beautiful. Instructor: Master Gardener Day: Saturday, September 15 Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Fee: Free

FALL GARDENING

Is your yard looking tired? Learn how you can extend your garden’s beauty into the fall. You will learn what plants to add to the garden so that you have wonderful color into the fall. Instructor: Master Gardener Day: Saturday, October 13 Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Fee: Free

DOG OBEDIENCE CLASSES SMALL DOGS 101: BASIC OBEDIENCE FOR SMALL BREED PUPPIES AND ADULTS

Maximum 10 Dogs For small breed puppies and adult dogs up to 25 pounds maximum Class for the little guys! Learn the most effective ways to train small dogs; avoid the common mistakes small breed owners make. Techniques including clicker training, obedience commands, good manners, and confidence-building exercises will be presented. Instructors: Deborah Miller-Gurchak and assistant Kelly Pontiere Dates: Thursdays, September 13 – October 18, 2012 (6 one-hour sessions) Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $90 Resident / $135 Non-Residents ($30 for non-handler auditors) Location: Community Room, 200 Municipal Drive, in the back of the Police Station (off of McMurray Road, near the Library)

WALK THIS WAY: HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG’S PERSISTENT PULLING!

Maximum 10 Dogs For adult dogs and puppies 10 weeks and up Learn modern, gentle methods of training your puppy or adult dog to pay attention and walk nicely on a loose leash to make your walk enjoyable. Adult dogs/puppies (10 weeks and up) are welcome. Instructors: Deborah Miller-Gurchak and assistant Kelly Pontiere Dates: Thursdays, September 13 – October 18, 2012 (6 one-hour sessions) Time: 8:15 – 9:15 p.m. Fee: $90 Residents / $135 Non-Residents ($30 for non-handler auditors) Location: Community Room, 200 Municipal Drive, in the back of the Police Station (off of McMurray Road, near the Library) Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

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SECURITY FRAUD BINGO/CONSUMER ISSUES

PROGRAMS FOR MATURE ADULTS SENIOR PICNICS

A representative from AARP will be talking about fraud and a variety of consumer issues along with playing a game of security fraud bingo. Come and get informed on the latest most talked about issues. Day: Wednesday, October 17 Time: 11 a.m. – Noon Fee: Free

ZUMBA GOLD

Minimum 10 – Maximum 40 Zumba Gold takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Certified Zumba Instructor: Debbie Colditz Day: Tuesday Time: 6:30 – 7 p.m. Fee: $25 Member / $38 Non-Member

AARP SENIOR DRIVERS SAFETY PROGRAM

SENIOR BUS TRIP MURDER MYSTERY IN LIGONIER

(AGES 50 AND OVER) Classes review rules of the road, accident prevention and overcoming the effects of aging on driving performance. (Show proof you completed the previous 8-hour class to attend 4-hour refresher class.) Classes held in the Community Room by Police Station Days: September 22 & 23 Saturday and Sunday Time: Noon – 4 p.m. (both days) October 20 Refresher course Time: 4 – 8 p.m. Fee: $12 AARP Members / $14 Non-Members Please make checks payable to AARP

Picnics are held outside in Peterswood Park, shelter 4, weather permitting, if inclement weather, picnic will be moved to recreation center. We provide the hot dogs and hamburgers; we ask that everyone bring a covered dish. Sponsored in conjunction with Area Agency on Aging. Day: September 12 (*Note: This is the last picnic; future lunches are at the Recreation Center) Time: 4 – 6 p.m. Fee: Free (but request a smile and a covered dish to share)

Mobsters, Molls & Marinara. Come join the party at this gin joint set in the roaring twenties where every night was New Year’s Eve. Murder mystery dinner show performed by the professional actors of “Mystery’s Most Wanted.” Help solve the murder of a local Chicago crime boss. Italian Dinner buffet included. Trip includes transportation, murder/mystery luncheon show, meal gratuities and taxes. Day: Wednesday, October 24 Time: T.B.A. Fee: $85 Per Person Registration Deadline: September 24

Medicare Part B health insurance card at time of vaccination Day: Monday, October 22 Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fee: Medicare Part B members free with insurance card / $28 flu shots and $70 pneumonia shots for Non-Members (cash or check only)

YOGASTRETCH

SENIOR LUNCHEON

Luncheons are held at the Recreation Center on the second Wednesday of each month. We ask that you bring a covered dish and share with others. The second hour we provide entertainment or a lecture. Day: October 10 Time: Noon – 2 p.m. Fee: Free (smiles required)

FLU AND PNEUMONIA SHOTS

Seasonal Flu and Pneumonia shots will be available at no charge with Medicare health insurance coverage. *Must present

500 BID

strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills. Handheld weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance; and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support. Free to select Medicare/Local health care plan qualified participants. Day: Monday & Wednesday Time: 10:15 – 11 a.m.

SILVERSNEAKERS® YOGA STRETCH AND MUSCULAR STRENGTH & RANGE OF MOVEMENT CLASSES:

(AGES 65 AND OVER) Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular

YOGASTRETCH will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Instructor: Suzie Bode Day: Thursday Time: 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Fee: $80 Member / $120 Non-Member (Fee, if not covered by Health Insurance) this includes all classes offered in the session.

CARD GROUPS AT THE CRC

Card Players meet the fourth Tuesday afternoon of the month at the community center from 1 – 4 p.m. Drop-ins welcome. No pre-registration required. Men and women of all ages are welcome. Beverages and snacks are provided. Donations welcome. For more information call Rae Helman at 724.941.1081.

BRIDGE

We are looking for new players! Group meets September through May. Fee: $15 per year used for supplies and a charitable donation. For more information call Joan Knoll at 724.743.1767. Location: Community Room, 200 Municipal Drive, in the back of the Police Station (off McMurray Road, near the Library) Marathon Bridge: First Tuesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Duplicate Bridge: Third Tuesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m.

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For more information and to learn about other new programs, visit us on the web at www.ptlibrary.org or stop in the Children’s Department any time.

Reading, Rec & More

Closed Dates: Monday, September 3 ~ Sundays, resuming regular Sunday hours on September 9 Peters Township Public Library 616 E. McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 724.941.9430 www.ptlibrary.org

Library Hours Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday (Sept.–May) 12 noon – 4 p.m.

“Listen While You Walk” Resumes! Thursday, September 6, 9:15 a.m. Exercise while listening to your favorite author Each Thursday morning at 9:15 a.m., weather permitting, join library staff and volunteers for a 30-minute walk on the nearby Arrowhead Trail. This program offers the opportunity to combine physical exercise while listening to a favorite book or author. The library will provide a selection of “Playaways,” an all-in-one audio book, for participants to choose from prior to their walk. On September 6, a brief orientation meeting for both newcomers as well as returning walkers will be held before the walk. Register for this free program by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org, at the library circulation desk, or by calling 724.941.9430. For more information, please call the Reference Department at 724.941.9430, ext. 3.

Community Blood Drive at the Library Wednesday, August 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sponsored by Peters Township Public Library Come to the library and help save a life by donating blood. With Labor Day approaching, the Central Blood Bank will be conducting a Blood Drive in the library’s Multi-Purpose Room on August 29. Schedule your appointment by calling 1.866.366.6771 and mentioning sponsor code C594 or log onto www.centralbloodbank.org and enter sponsor code C594. Please remember to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of fluids, and get a good night’s rest before donating. Also, remember to bring a valid ID. Each donation helps save three lives!

New Religious and Scholarly Language Collection! Peters Township Public Library patrons can now learn Koine Greek, Ancient Greek, Latin and Biblical Hebrew, compliments of Mango, the only language learning company to offer a Religious and Scholarly Language Collection. These courses focus on passages from historical books, poems and religious documents, providing insight into the cultures in which the languages were spoken. The Religious and Scholarly Collection is FREE with the Mango Languages, currently available though the library's web site (www.ptlibrary.org) by clicking the "Online Databases" link. Look for the Mango Languages icon. So whether you are preparing for a trip to Rome, studying an ancient culture or trying to gain a deeper understanding of their religion, we can help you start a conversation and keep it going!

www.ptlibrar y.org 724.941.9430 Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

Reading, Rec & More Children’s Programs Please register in the Children’s Department unless otherwise noted.

GO Green Camp for Kids The GO Green Camp for Kids on June 12 - 14 was a great success! Each day was filled with fun activities and hands-on learning about our water cycle, what happens to our recyclable materials, how to compost your food waste, and the importance of eating local, healthy foods. From making fruit kebobs to simulating rainfall on a watershed model, many valuable lessons about taking care of our beautiful world were shared with the group. The camp was hosted by the library’s GO Green Club.

For Babies Through Kindergarten… Fall session:

Bodies in Motion Ages: 2 – 5 with an adult When: Thursdays, 11 – 11:30 a.m. OR 1 – 1:30 p.m.

When: 9 weeks, September 17 – November 16, 2012 Tiny Tunes Toddler (Sign-ups begin August 13 for Ages: 2 – 3½ with an adult residents and August 20 for When: Mondays, non-residents) 11 – 11:30 a.m. OR 1 – 1:30 p.m.

Book Babies Ages: Birth – 12 months with an adult When: Tuesdays, 10 – 10:20 a.m.

Mother Goose Story-time Ages: 12 – 24 months with an adult When: Tuesdays, 11 – 11:20 a.m.

Toddler Tales Ages: 2 – 3½ with an adult When: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – Noon OR Thursdays, 10 – 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Story-time Ages: 3½ - 5 When: Tuesdays, 1 – 1:45 p.m. OR Wednesdays, 10 – 10:45 a.m.

Kindergarten Story-time: “The Unhuggables” – Animals Nobody Loves Ages: Kindergartners and 5-year-olds When: Thursdays, 10 – 11 a.m. OR 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. 22

Peters Township

Tiny Tunes Preschool Ages: 3½ - 5 When: Mondays, 2 – 2:30 p.m.

Vampire Science Ages: 2 – 5 with an adult Duration: 4 weeks When: Thursdays, October 4 – 25, 2 – 2:20 p.m. OR Saturdays, October 6 – 27, 9:30 – 9:50 a.m. The art of fake blood!!! Enrollment limit of 25 per class, so sign up today!

Edible Science Ages: 2 – 5 with an adult Duration: 4 weeks When: Thursdays, November 1 – 29, 2 – 2:20 p.m. (no session on November 22) OR Saturdays, November 3 – 24, 9:30 – 9:50 a.m. Ooey, gooey and yummy! Enrollment limit of 25 per class, so sign up today!

Programs for Grades One and Up Paws for Reading Ages: Grades 1 and up Dates: September 8, October 13, November 10 When: Saturdays, 10 – 11:20 a.m. Visit with a registered therapy dog at the library to gain selfconfidence and fluency by reading to these attentive animals. Sign up for your 20minute slot.

Girls’ Book Club Ages: Girls grades 4 – 6 Dates: September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10 When: Mondays, 6 – 7 p.m. It’s a girls’ night! Enjoy reading together and sharing in this special girls-only book club! Snacks for brain and stomach provided.

Camp Creepy Ages: Grades 3 – 6 Dates: September 22, October 20, November 17 When: Saturdays, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Join us as we share scary stories, snacks, and spooks – just the place for the brave of heart!

Chinese Language for Children Ages: 2nd - 8th grade Duration: 6 weeks, September 25 – October 30 When: Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $35 Instructor: Barbara Chen M.S. in Ed. (native Chinese speaker; more about Chen at http://chenchinese.com/Chen_ Class.html) This class is designed with the idea that children learn best from the content which is relevant to their everyday lives. Students will learn pronunciation, meaningful characters, phrases, sentence structures, writing and cultures. Students will apply what they learn in real-life situations through our role-playing and acting which makes learning fun and exciting. If you have any other questions, please email Barbara@chenchinese.com. Beginners are welcome. Please register by September 20 at the library's circulation desk.

Fans of Fantasy Book Club Ages: Grades 4 – 8 Dates: September 26, October 24, November 14 When: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Fans of fantasy get together for a fun-filled night of games, snacks, crafts, movies, and much more! Join us as we meet once a month to discuss the new books we’ve read and choose what we’ll read next.

Reading, Rec & More ART PROGRAMS Pencil Drawing

Programs for All Ages! Movie Nights

Ages: 6 ½ - 13 Dates: 4 weeks, September 11 – October 2 When: Tuesdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Limit: 15 children Cost: $15 plus supplies Students will learn basic drawing techniques with pencils, with two sessions devoted to cartoon drawing. Register at the library’s circulation desk; please see supply list when registering.

Ages: For kids and parents of all ages! Dates: September 25, October 16, November 13, and December 18 When: Tuesdays, 6-7:45 p.m. We supply the popcorn – you supply your pillow! Please check in the Children’s Department for upcoming dates and film selections.

YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS Programs for Tweens and Teens in 6th – 12th grade unless otherwise noted; please register at the Teen Desk unless otherwise noted.

PROGRAMS S.A.T. Preparation Workshop Duration: 4 sessions Dates: Sundays, September 9 – 30 When: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $175 Limit: 45 Teacher: Educational Achievement Center All materials, including the student workbook, will be provided. Students are asked to bring pencils and paper for note taking. Any student who has attended the workshop in the past can return to this workshop for a tuition price of $50. S.A.T. test date: October 6, 2012. Register at the library’s circulation desk.

motivational design inspires students with confidence to explore Chinese language and culture. Students will apply what they learn in real-life situations through our role-playing and acting which makes learning fun and exciting. If you have any other questions, please email Barbara@chenchinese.com. Beginners are welcome. Please register by September 20 at the library's circulation desk.

Perks of Being a Above, Emma Watson and Logan Lerman star in THE PERKS OF Wallflower Release Party! BEING A WALLFLOWER. Wednesday September 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Remember when one of our favorite books was filmed here last summer? Well, it’s finally coming to theaters and we’re going to celebrate! Games, crafts, refreshments and more all in preparation for the movie premiere!

TOURNAMENTS Open Gaming Sessions (through August; check back with the Young Adult Department for September days/times):

Achieving Peak Performance

Dates: Tuesday, September 11, 7 – 9 p.m. OR Saturday, September 29, 10 a.m. - Noon Presented by: Thomas M. Crea, Chinese Language for Young Coach/Consultant Adults/Adults Achieving Peak Performance is an Ages: 9th grade and older introductory seminar that will remind Duration: 6 weeks participants of the attitudes and selfDates: September 25 – October 30 leadership skills needed to achieve When: Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. success, both in the short- and longCost: $35 term. A goal of this seminar is to learn Instructor: Barbara Chen M.S. in Ed. to focus on developing the habits that (native Chinese speaker; more about will help you achieve life-work Chen at http://chenchinese.com/Chen_ balance. Those who have participated Class.html) in the full program have demonstrated This class is designed to build improved patterns for healthy students’ understanding of the behavior. Open to young adults / Chinese language and culture with adults. themes and topics that are relevant to their daily lives. The relevant context makes learning fun and effective. The

Mondays: 2 – 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays: 2 – 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays: 2 – 7 p.m. Thursdays: 2 – 7 p.m. Fridays: 2 – 5 p.m. Saturdays: Noon – 4 p.m.

Guitar Hero Tournament Ages: Grades 6 and up Dates: Saturdays, September 8, October 6, November 3 When: 1 – 3 p.m. (please arrive at 12:30 p.m. to check in) Cost: $2 entrance fee Hone your musical skills and duke it out against others while you shred the guitar.

www.ptlibrar y.org 724.941.9430 Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

Reading, Rec & More

Adult ProgrAms YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS

Programs for Tweens and Teens in 6th – 12th grade unless otherwise noted; please register at the Teen Desk unless otherwise noted.

ONGOING PROGRAMS Anime Club Fridays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. All Otaku are welcome to celebrate your love of Anime and Manga!

After Hours Movie Night Fridays, September 7, October 5, November 2 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Teen Room open from 5 – 7:30 p.m.)

Express Yourself Coffee House (new program!) Tuesdays, September 11, October 9, November 13 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Have some poetry, music, art, or special hidden talent you’ve been dying to showcase? Come share your skills at our monthly coffee house! Our open and friendly environment is a great place to express yourself in any way possible, no matter what your talents may be! Coffee, tea and other refreshments will be provided.

Culinary Creations Wednesdays, September 19, October 17, November 14 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Do you love to cook? Do you want to learn how to make fun snacks? Join us once a month to make delicious treats at the library; all supplies will be provided! Make sure to come hungry!

Spa Day (new program!) Saturdays, September 22, October 20, November 17 3 – 4 p.m. Is the change in temperature getting you down? Cheer up with a relaxing day at the spa! Learn easy at-home techniques for facials, manicures, pedicures and more!

For all free programs, please register at the library’s circulation desk, by telephone at 724.941.9430, online at the library’s website (www.ptlibrary.org) through EventKeeper or by email at programs@ptlibrary.org (please include name of program, name of participant, and phone number). For those programs with fees, registration must be completed in person at the circulation desk; registration is not complete until payment has been received.

Western PA Mushroom Club When: Tuesday, September 25, 6 – 8 p.m. Interested in learning more about the native mushrooms in our area? If so, plan on attending a Mushroom Club meeting. The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club was created to promote the enjoyment, study, and exchange of information about wild mushrooms. Participants are invited to attend one meeting at no cost, after which, if they are interested in joining, they must submit a yearly individual membership fee of $15 or a family membership fee of $20. Members must also annually sign a release of liability form. For more information about the club, go to www.wpamushroomclub.org.

How to Take Great Photographs Duration: 4 sessions Dates: Thursdays, September 20 – October 4, 7 – 9 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 9 a.m. meet at library and go to remote location for photos Class Size: Minimum: 6, Maximum: 15 Cost: $75 Instructor: Jim McNutt, Observer-Reporter photojournalist for 42 years and former Adjunct Professor at Washington & Jefferson College for 22 years. Grab your camera and head to the library to learn how to take great pictures. You will learn how to see photo possibilities, compose better images, and how to use your camera more effectively. Mr. McNutt’s work can be viewed at www.facebook.com/jim.mcnutt.photos and on the newspaper website: www.observer-reporter.com. Register at the library’s circulation desk.

College Financial Aid Night When: Tuesday, October 2, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Presented by: Jayeann Harr from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Help is on the way for parents of high school seniors and juniors getting ready to navigate their way through the college financial aid process. Parents and students are invited to the 60-minute presentation, which will describe all federal and PA-state financial aid programs, scholarships and the FAFSA application process. Other topics will include how colleges award aid to families and how financial aid deadline dates interface with the college admissions process. Loan rates and interest rates for students and parents will also be discussed. A question and answer session will follow the program.

www.ptlibrar y.org 24

Peters Township

724.941.9430

Reading, Rec & More ARTS PROGRAMS Introduction to Crochet Duration: 4 weeks Dates: September 4 – September 24; (please note: first session is on Tuesday, September 4 due to the Labor Day holiday) and/or October 1 – October 22 When: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Cost: $30 per 4-week session (includes a start-up kit with crochet hook and yarn) Instructor: Cathy Layton Join us for a 4-week class to learn the basics of this old, now-new-again art of crochet. We’ll enjoy learning about the originality of this craft and see how to use it in decorative and creative ways that are limited only by your imagination. It’s not just about afghans!

ONGOING PROGRAMS

For more information, please see the library’s website.

Afternoon Book Club for Adults 3rd Wednesday of every month, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Evening Book Club for Adults 2nd Wednesday of every month, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Computer Programs

Mystery Book Club for Adults

All computer classes require a $5 fee (unless otherwise noted), and require basic mouse and keyboarding skills. There is a limit of 12 students per class, unless otherwise noted.

Writer’s Workshop

Internet Assisted Job Searching Tuesday, August 7, 7 – 8:45 p.m.

Genealogical Research Tuesday, August 14, 7 – 8:45 p.m.

Burning CDs Tuesday, August 21, 7 – 8:45 p.m. Maximum: 10

Cover Letters & Resumes Tuesday, August 28, 7 – 8:45 p.m.

Getting the Most Out of Web E-mail Tuesday, September 4, 7 – 8:45 p.m.

PowerPoint Presentations Tuesday, September 11, 7 – 8:45 p.m.

Basic Excel Spreadsheets, Part 1 Tuesday, September 18, 7 – 8:45 p.m.

Basic Excel Spreadsheets, Part 2 Tuesday, September 25, 7 – 8:45 p.m.

Last Wednesday of every month, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Mondays, 7 – 9 p.m. OR Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Cost: $20 per month The Writer’s Workshop meets weekly at the library and focuses on writing for children and teenagers.

Questions? Please email the club at ptplcookingclub@gmail.com

Laughter Club Thursdays, September 20, December 13, 10 – 11 a.m. Facilitator: Julie Ann Sullivan, Certified Laughter Leader

Coupon Club 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 – 8 p.m. Questions about the club? Email ptplcouponingclub@gmail.com.

Beading Club

2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Adult writers of all skill levels and genres are welcome.

3rd Wednesday of the month, 6 – 8 p.m. (no session in August) Ages: 12 and up Instructor: Karen Krohner of Beads 2 Wear

GO Green Club

Photo Club

Adult Writing Workshop

3rd Monday of the month, 7 – 8:45 p.m. For more information or to join the club please email ptplgogreenclub@gmail.com or call 724.941.9430.

Cooking Club 1st Thursday of the month, 7 – 8:45 p.m. Cost: $5 per meeting (collected at registration) to defray the cost of food samples and plates/utensils. Registration is required by noon Monday the week of meeting.

2nd Wednesday of the month, 7 – 9 p.m. Cost: $15 (annual dues)

“Roots” Genealogy Club 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1 – 3 p.m. Facilitator: Cathy Pigford

Technology Thursdays Every Thursday, 2 – 3 p.m. Location: KEENage Korner in the library

Wii Sports for Seniors Every Monday, 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

Peters Township 500 Bid Card Group

Story and photos by Amanda Fastuca

local card-playing group established in Peters Township invites everyone of all ages to enjoy a few hours of games once a month. The 500 Bid Card Group is held at the Community Recreation Center every fourth Tuesday of the month. From 1–4 p.m., the club is open for men and women of any age with no required fee or pre-registration. However, $2 donations are encouraged to help cover snacks, coffee, door prizes, and other items. Rae Helman, 68, started the club about 10 years ago after finding an interest in card playing. “One inspiration to me was having my mother live with me for nine years,” Helman said. “And what I noticed during those years was that the one thing my mom loved the most was when I spent the time to sit down and play cards with her.” When Helman first moved to Peters Township, she had previously belonged to a card group with three other women. “After my first experience of belonging to a card club, I wanted to get a group together to play at my house,” Helman said. “But I could never find anyone who wanted to play. I asked almost everyone because I really wanted to play cards.” After a while, Helman made some phone calls and finally organized a card group at the recreation center on McMurray Road. Flyers were made and posted all around town to get the word out about the new club. “The first time the group met, I only had three people show up,” Helman said. “The next month, three more people came. Now, 10 years later, we have 30-40 people playing with us every month. And I’m very proud to say that after those 10 years, those same three people who showed up the first day are still with me after all this time.” Helman said the games are done in a very humble way. “I don’t want people to join the club with intentions of winning a lot of money. I want to them to come to enjoy the game, make

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Peters Township

friends and have a good time. I think the act of being humble is what keeps people coming back to these kinds of events. Lately, I’ve been trying to extend the importance that we should give back to the community because there are a lot of people out there that need help. For example, we have made donations to the food pantry and are now making donations to the women’s shelter for abused women, and we plan to do much more in the future.” Helman said she believes that creating this card playing organization is her ministry and is hoping to continue it for many more years. “Senior citizens should never stop trying to find something they love to do,” Helman said. “There is always hope to start something new and it has nothing to do with age. It has worked for me and after all this time I’m thankful to have started something that makes other people happy.” More information on the 500 Bid Card Group can be found by calling Rae Helman at 724.941.1081.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

Winners included: ace ir 5K R at e h t d l ded m he try tea conclu ber n d u n o a C n num ega ross ship C 2. The race b ith a record both n w o T 201 for ters ter w The Pe ay, June 16, creation Cen rds were set 55 d e 9: co ur on Sat s Township R ew course re e finishers; 1 N al er nd fem 16:10 (men). the Pet participants. a e l a m of the top (women) and

Overall Female: Sydney Wehn- First Place Tina Seech- Second Place Stephanie Beisheim- Third Place Overall Male: Keven Gregg- First Place Nicholas Wolk- Second Place Ron Romanoff- Third Place Team Category Winners: Siblings: Nicholas and Nathan Wolk Husband/Wife: Stephanie and Jeff Beisheim Parent/Child: Zach and Dave Jaap Age Group Winners Female 1-10 Emma Scarton 11-12 Juliette Plummer 13-14 Ally Wehn 15-19 Kylie Knavish 20-29 Vara Miyako Taylor 30-39 Melissa Migliaro 40-49 Lisa Knavish 50-59 Sharon Heskett 60+

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Peters Township

Male Jack Kail Billy Lang Dillan Richey Zach Jaap Matthew Poole John Koontz Bill Lang Gary Stankevich Gerard Bertrand

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The Fall is not just a time of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s a time when the dormant diesel engines of the school buses fire up, SAT applications and college inquiry letters are sent, and students return to college campuses across the nation. In the United States, education is a $900 billion a year business, and that investment, either by the federal and state government, parents and students themselves via student loans, is a testament as to how important learning is to making a name for yourself in the world. Fortunately, for individuals and the economy as a whole, everyone is different and educational opportunities abound for people no matter what their interests or aptitudes. ★★ College: College remains one of the most traditional avenues for graduated high school students to pursue. Colleges can be public or private and offer two-year or four-year degrees. While postsecondary education is not a requirement for securing work, those who obtain a college degree can expect estimated lifetime earnings of $2.1 million, according to the US Census Bureau. A master’s degree boosts that to $2.5 million, a professional degree averages $4.4 million, and a doctoral degree $3.4 million. High school graduates are estimated to earn just $1.2 million over the course of their lifetime, according to the same report. ★★ Trade Schools and Vocational Careers: While vocational training can start in high school, thanks to regional vocational/technical centers that serve school districts, post-high school programs can take graduates from apprentices to masters of their field. What’s more, vocational programs aren’t like they used to be in the latter half of the 20th Century. Today’s vocational schools still cover trades such as carpentry, plumbing and stonemasonry, but they also excel in specialty fields such as computer networking, HVAC, and robotics. ★★ Online Learning: Online learning is a relatively new form of degree program using the power of the Internet to bring students and schools together. Also known as E-learning or distance education, online programs have brought some big names into the fold as Harvard and MIT recently joined forces, offering a variety of free, online courses. Online education typically costs less than bricks and mortar schools. ★★ Financing Education: No matter where you end up after high school, chances are you’re going to need to take out a few loans to make your goals attainable. Student loans come in a variety of forms ranging from federal to private. Scholarships often are attainable for eligible students, and are nice to have, but realistic students shouldn’t expect to garner enough scholarship money to cover their entire academic career. Programs such as the Federal Stafford Loan can offset up to $23,000 of tuition, which can be increased to $46,000 if parents do not qualify for the Parent PLUS program. The downside to student loans is that you will be graduating with substantial debt to pay down. The upside, however, is that student loan interest rates are generally low, tax deductible and the loans themselves can be deferred until you are in a position to make payments on them, such as the time necessary for you to find a job.

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Peters Township

★★ Benefits of tutoring services: One of the keys to acquiring scholarships is good grades. While that’s totally on the student to achieve, there are many services available that can help that student put in the extra effort to make the grade. From SAT preparation centers to study centers that cover a broader range of curricula, these investments are well worth the cost if the result is several thousand dollars coming off your tuition bill because you got a 4.0 versus a 3.8 GPA. ★★ Private Schools: Private schools are a popular option for parents when it comes to picking an education for their child. A study found that students who attend private school tend to score higher on standardized tests, and sends more graduates to college than public schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools also tend to have a lower number of students, leading to a more effective student-teacher relationship. If a student tends to seek more attention or one-on-one help from teachers, private schools might weigh in more benefits. Private schools also create their own funding, including tuition, grants, and fundraising. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the average cost of private school tuition tends to be around $17,441. ★★ Benefits of Preschools: When it comes to early cognitive development, researchers have found that that children who attend preschool tend to show higher intelligence quotients than those who do not, according to Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP). Although sending your child to preschool can help them academically, it also improves their early social skills. Preschool is the time when children become aware of sharing and learning how to interact with one another. The classroom gives the young students a friendly, safe environment that allows them to grow and prepare for the later education in kindergarten and Grade School. Children who attend preschool are usually between 3-5 years old. No matter what your path in life may be, being prepared academically for that path is the key to future success.

Our Back to School

PARTNERS

Scott Anderson is a Doctor of Chiropractic as well as a Nutritionist and Reiki Master Teacher, receiving his Chiropractic and a B.S. in Nutrition degrees from Life University in 1995. Practicing for 17 years, he opened his practice in McMurray in 2003. Dr. Anderson uses the latest technology including laser light therapy, vibrational therapy and custom made orthotics Scott Anderson Anderson Chiropractic to reduce his patients’ pain. For more information, log on to andersonchiropractic. 724.941.5805 us or call 724.941.5805.

andersonchiropractic.us

Dr. Tom Krah Krah Family Dentistry 724.941.2929

Dr. Tom Krah has been proudly serving families in our community for over 18 years. We would like to wish returning students the best in their upcoming school year. We specialize in family dentistry and welcome you to schedule an appointment with us for all of your preventative and cosmetic dental needs. Our patients enjoy getting their x-rays without putting films or sensors in their mouth through our use of a state of the art ProMax unit.

Kid’s Kingdom Child Care Center 724.941.1430

Nestled along Hidden Valley Road in Peters Township is a special place called Kid’s Kingdom. Soothing colors and natural light fills the infant room. A tree grows outside the toddler classroom window – imagine the excitement when squirrels and birds stop by to visit. Fun learning centers invite preschoolers to explore and discover as they engage in play. Children can run outside in the big back yard or in the indoor gym. Join our family at Kid’s Kingdom!

Blackhawk Consulting Group 412.347.6151

Blackhawk Consulting Group is a coaching firm helping organizations improve their Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication skills. Using cutting edge assessment tools, BCG helps leaders quickly identify the what, why, and how necessary for their success, leading to increased confidence and revenue, and decreased stress. Principal, Tom Crea, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Col., regularly speaks with youth organizations on these concepts for achieving peak performance.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

Our Back to School

PARTNERS

Sewickley Academy 412.741.2235

The Goddard School 724.941.6464

C-MITES 412.268.1629 www.cmites.org

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Peters Township

As Pittsburgh’s oldest co-educational, college preparatory, independent day school, Sewickley Academy prepares students for a lifetime of success by inspiring them to reach their full potential as curious, courageous, and compassionate learners. Exceptional programs, small classes, and talented faculty help our students become conscientious leaders, critical thinkers, and responsible members of a global community. All students are hosted on a single 16-acre campus. All of our graduates continue their education at a 4-year college or university. The Goddard School® is a high-quality preschool servicing families with children aged 6 weeks old to Kindergarten. In addition to adhering to the rigorous internal franchise standards, The Goddard School is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE) and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Goddard’s renowned curriculum, certified faculty, state-of-the-art facility, and commitment to excellence have made it the fastest growing preschool in the United States. C-MITES at Carnegie Mellon University offers programs for gifted students in kindergarten through 10th grade including Weekend Workshops, Summer Programs, and abovelevel testing. C-MITES classes are purposefully challenging, meant to stimulate the minds of bright students. They are filled with captivating hands-on activities that are both informative and fun! Topics include creative writing, mathematics, robotics and chemistry. For more information, go to www.cmites.org or call 412.268.1629, ext. 1.

A Formula for Success

“The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” – William James – Father of American Psychology

ccording to the Harvard Business Review, "85% of the reason a person gets, keeps and performs well in a job, depends on their ATTITUDE and only 15% on their APTITUDE.” (Aptitude is your university degree, diploma, training, knowledge, etc.) For those who graduated high school a while ago, have you ever known former classmates that may not have been the best students, but somehow seem to be outperforming those who had better grades? The well-known Cox Report of American Business unequivocally states that, "As many as 94% of the top executives of the Fortune 500 Companies, attributed their success, more to ATTITUDE, than any other ingredient!" Starting with an Open Mind During seminars at the Peters Township library, I ask the audience how open-minded they are and give them a short, simple exercise. Upon conclusion, most recognize that maybe they had not considered all of the possible solutions, the usual reason: self-imposed limitations. Later, I share with attendees the following formula for success: A(S + K) + mG → PBC → Success The two key elements in the formula are attitude (A) and goals (G). Of course, this formula requires explanation; but first, let’s review the critical elements that form attitude.

Ultimately, I want to impart upon attendees that to a great extent, your attitude entering into any experience will determine the outcome. Why are attitudes so important? Working the formula from the right, Success can mean different things to different people, but it amounts to achieving your goals, however you define them. Next, if you are not experiencing success right now, you need to make adjustments in your routine in order to experience a positive behavior change (PBC). The left side of the formula has four variables. In addition to attitude, the goals you pursue must be your own as you are more likely to achieve goals if the motivation comes from within. These are not your parents’ goals or your boss’s goals, but (mG) my Goals. Finally, the two variables that remain are Skills (S) and Knowledge (K). While important, keep in mind that according to the Harvard Business review, they are part of APTITUDE and comprise only 15% of the reason a person gets, keeps and performs well in a job; 85% depends upon ATTITUDE. If you are interested in hearing the full presentation, my next scheduled seminars will be in September; check with the Peters Township Library or their website for details.

Beliefs If you do an Internet search for “picture of old woman young woman illusion,” you’ll find a famous image psychologists have been using for years. There are two equally correct conclusions, but only a few who have not seen it before recognize both faces. For those who see only the old woman or the young woman, I ask this rhetorical question: are the others wrong? As the discussion evolves, those who saw only one of the images come to realize that just because they were correct, it doesn’t mean the others were incorrect, another reflection on open-mindedness. Values My third observation regarding open-mindedness has to do with values. The U.S. Army’s corporate values are L-D-R-S-H-I-P: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. As a retired officer, I support these values, but then I compare them to other organizations such as the U.S. Marine Corps or IBM. As with the illusion, I ask if one set of values is better than the other. The point is no, they are not. They are simply different, the values that best support the culture of that organization.

This Industry Insight was written by Tom Crea, owner of Blackhawk Consulting Group. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), he spent his career Leading organizations, building Teams and Communicating with others to achieve peak performance.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 to Celebrate Open House Dedication I

n a welcoming act of commemoration, the McMurray Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 will celebrate an open house dedication Friday, Aug. 25, to the newly installed gallery recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The dedicatory wall, which was organized and installed by the Upper St. Clair-based Norman Gallery, features nine original pieces of art that capture the troops’ experiences in southwest Asia. It’s exhibited as a timeline of the 11-year conflict, beginning with a landscape photograph of the twin towers and drawn to a close with a portrait of “Operation Northern Delay,” a strategic deployment of paratroopers that led to the seize of Baghdad. VFW Post 764 commander

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Scott Huenefeld said the tribute is a gesture of gratitude and symbol of support for the returning veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. “When we came back from Vietnam, we felt ousted and unwelcome,” he said. “We want to make sure these kids know we appreciate what they do and they always have our support. The VFW isn’t just a place to grab a beer and hang out. There’s a strong sense of brotherhood amongst us veterans.” The commemorative wall stands opposite Post 764’s backroom Korean War tribute and adjacent to its wall honoring Vietnam veterans. The Iraq and Afghanistan tribute is unique to its neighboring walls because of the original art exhibited. Protruding from the display is “Faces of Courage,” an original painting by Bob Wilson, which bears a collage of servicewomen

Story and photos by Brady Ashe

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performing their respective duties in uniform. About 280,000 women, almost 12 percent of the troops deployed, have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 which is an aspect unique to the 21st century conflict. Hanging next to “Faces of Courage” is Leonardo Ruggieri’s original painting depicting a U.S. Marine in combat fatigues honoring his deceased comrade with a military salute to their headstone. “Saluting the Fallen” hangs as a memorial to all the American troops who lost their lives fighting in the Middle East. Huenefeld hopes the southwest Asia tribute will resonate with the returning veterans in Peters Township, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair and Mount Lebanon and that they take advantage of the support offered in the membership of VFW Post 764. “It’s hard to come back from serving over there and begin a new life,” the Vietnam veteran said. “We’ve all been through it here and it’s not easy but we can help them get through it. We can relate to it and help them out. They need us and we need them.” Andrew MacArthur of McMurray joined the VFW with his father, a Vietnam veteran, on New Year’s Eve last year. The 27-year-old MacArthur served as a sniper and vehicle commander in Iraq with the Army’s 56th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry

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Division. He’s also a Purple Heart recipient after being wounded in April 2009. The infantryman was part of a convoy traveling west of Taji, a small town 20 miles north of Baghdad, when his vehicle was hit

with 90 pounds of explosives in an improvised explosive device. MacArthur suffered a traumatic brain injury and ruptured his knee in the blast that wounded all five of the vehicle’s passengers. He was evacuated from Iraq in May that year and received the Purple Heart soon after. “It was a pretty scary thing but it is what it is,” he said. “It makes you appreciate everything a little more. I’m pretty lucky.”

Peters Township

MacArthur and his father joined the VFW for the camaraderie they find in the company of fellow veterans. The Iraq veteran said it’s therapeutic to share war stories with people who have experienced it firsthand and can relate to the feelings that manifest from combat. MacArthur, a 2003 Peters Township High School graduate who now works in the oil and gas sector, was immediately impressed with Post 764’s southwest Asia tribute wall and said it’s humbling to be recognized by fellow servicemen. “I think it’s awesome,” MacArthur said. “It definitely portrays the war in a positive light and to have it standing next to the tributes for the other great conflicts puts everything in perspective. When you have guys who have fought in Vietnam, Korea and World War II saluting your efforts, it really validates what you’ve been doing. Lester Botkin, a McMurray veteran of Iraq who joined the VFW in 2006, shares McArthur’s sentiment on the dedicatory wall. “I was planning on doing it myself but I was really pleased when the other guys got it together,” the 32-year-old ex-Marine said. “It’s great to get recognition for your service from those guys. A lot of them were in ‘Nam and saw some pretty terrible things.” Botkin served as an aerial navigator and weapons coordinator on a C-130 aircraft with the VMGR-452 Marines. His crew, which was stationed about 80 miles west of Fallujah in 2004, would refuel fighter jets mid-air and transport deceased soldiers from combat zones to U.S. bases. Botkin’s chief officer in Iraq was a VFW post commander. “Now you can walk into any VFW for the rest of your life,” he said to Botkin after he completed his tour of duty. “That’s something you should be very proud of.”

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

A Sign of Accomplishment Peters Township Student Ethan Campion Delivers the Morning Announcements Using Sign Language

ixth grade is a special year at McMurray Elementary. Aside from being the oldest and knowing the ropes at the school, students get to participate in a variety of diverse learning projects that seem much more like fun than education. One of these projects is a live television show of the morning announcements where students write, produce, broadcast, and report the school’s activities each day. The privilege of getting to be involved with the morning announcements required students to apply, interview, and demonstrate their ability to write, produce, or read the news during an audition. News teams were rotated every quarter to maximize the number of students who would benefit from the experience. Involving the students in the broadcast morning announcements has been a program at McMurray Elementary since 1993 and has been facilitated by enrichment teacher Beth Walsh for the last two years. It is something many of the children look forward to and last year was even more special because one of the students participating was Deaf. Ethan Campion was born that way. At 13 months, he became the first baby in Western Pennsylvania to receive bilateral cochlear implants at that young of an age, allowing him to hear through electricity, but in a slightly different way. Ethan hears well with his implants and speaks English with outstanding oral skills. He also reads lips and signs using ASL, or American Sign Language, which is the official language of the Deaf community, although there are several other forms of sign language. He is referred to as Deaf with a capital D because he is hard of hearing and uses ASL to communicate. That didn’t stop Ethan. He began attending McMurray Elementary in fourth grade on a part time basis while spending the majority of his time at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, where he attended since he was three. When he heard about

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the application process to be part of the morning announcement team, Ethan applied, interviewed, and was accepted. At first, he was just going to sign the word of the day, but only a short while into the school year, Ethan began interpreting the entire script of the morning announcements while the anchors read them on camera. “It was the first time we had a student who was hard of hearing involved in this project. It worked out really well for everyone,” said Walsh. Ethan put a lot of work into his role in the production because he did the announcements all year, remaining on board when the anchor, writing, and production teams switched. He also needed to prepare in advance for each day’s broadcast because the languages of English and ASL are not entirely compatible. “ASL is a conceptual language so there’s not a sign for all words,” said Cathy Morgan, Ethan’s interpreter, who is a certified National Sign Language Interpreter with the Center for Hearing and Deaf Services contracted by Peters Township School

Peters Township

District. There’s no past tense in ASL, nor is there the verb “to be,” so Ethan had his work cut out for him. In sixth grade, Ethan was still developing his sign language skills and it was a rare opportunity that he would be able to use ASL in a regular school environment so he still needed some assistance from an interpreter. He took it very seriously. Mrs. Walsh gave him the script a day in advance so he could take some extra time to interpret and practice for each show. He became much more skilled at the interpretation as well as the presentation, as ASL is an expressive language involving the use of body movement and facial expression. “He loves to have an audience; he’s such a showman,” said Erin Campion, Ethan’s mother. In addition to the development of Ethan’s language and interpretation skills, being part of the morning announcement crew helped him gain confidence to interact with and function on a level with the other students at McMurray Elementary. It gave him a bridge to social interaction because he received many

By Tracy Fedkoe

compliments from other students and they asked him about signs. He could respond to them in conversation because he is totally fluent and it helped the other students understand how to talk to him. “They learned what he deals with on a regular basis and gained a new respect for him,” said Walsh. In fact, the crew as well as the audience learned the ASL sign for the word of the day and the anchors would end every program signing the school’s motto: Manners Matter at Peters Township. While there aren’t any definite plans, Walsh is open to having another hard-of-hearing student participate in the production in the future. Peters Township Middle School also offers opportunities for student involvement in the production of the morning announcements as well as other special video projects. Ethan’s sister, Rachel, now a junior, is also Deaf and was involved in signing some videos when she attended the middle school. “They’re very open-minded at Peters Township,” said Campion. Ethan hopes to be able to be involved in a project like this again, but more importantly, participating last year gave him the foundation and confidence to meet one of his long term goals. One day, he just came to his mom and said, “I’m ready for all day.” Ethan will make the transition to attending Peters Township Middle School in seventh grade full time in the fall. With strong support from his family and the school, “There’s nothing that he won’t be able to do,” said Morgan.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

auren Milley, 16, of Peters Township won a third place medal in the floor exercises at the Women’s Junior Olympic Level Nine Eastern Gymnastics Championships held May 4 through 6 in Landover, Maryland. Ms. Milley also placed 16th in the all-around competition in her division among the 16 age categories at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex. This USA gymnastics competition leads some of the champions on to make the United States National Team and represent the United States at international competition such as the Olympics as well as compete in collegiate gymnastics. To make it to nationals, Ms.

Peters Township Gymnast Places Nationally By Joann Naser

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Peters Township

Milley had to place in the top six at regionals, which was held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 13-15. She placed third. The regional competition includes elite gymnasts from West Virginia, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. “She is a natural talent,” said her coach of seven years, Karen Clark, one of the owners at Gym Dandys in Meadowlands. “It took her a while to believe in herself and to know what we knew about her abilities. She is very pleasing to watch.” Competing on the floor, vault, balance beam and uneven parallel bars, Ms. Milley said, “The (uneven parallel) bars come easily to me but I like the floor exercises. It is a little less nerve-wracking and I can show off.” Two years ago, she was the second alternate allowed to travel to nationals. This year, she placed first, allowing her to compete at nationals. “There were obstacles two years ago that I had to overcome but with my friends and coaches helping me, I feel lots more prepared and more consistent in my work,” Ms. Milley stated. “I love the feeling of flipping through the air,” added Ms. Milley. “I also love the feeling that I have after I learned a skill. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work.” Stating that gymnastics is “hard,” she practices four

hours a day after school. “I do some homework before practice then finish it at home afterwards,” Ms. Milley explained. She said she does not have time to have hobbies other than gymnastics. Her summer schedule gives her quite a workout also. “It is every day for four hours for a month and then there is a camp for two weeks and it is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” said Ms. Milley. It is year-round practice. The daughter of Ted and Rosanna Milley, she would like to attend the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in two years. “I would like to enter the medical field,” she said. “I may compete in gymnastics at college, but I may just walk on. I don’t think I will do it full-time.” Studying gymnastics since second grade, Ms. Milley said she nearly quit in her middle school years. “In seventh and eighth grade, my friends were doing other things like cheerleading and I thought about it too. But I remained serious to gymnastics.” She is glad she did.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

Ride for Wreaths and Roar for the Military

orking in conjunction with the Bible Chapel, Wreaths Across America (WAA) and The Wounded Warrior Project, the Ride for Wreaths and Roar for the Military raised funds to honor America’s soldiers, sailors and marines. Monies raised went to purchase wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves as part of ceremonies during the holiday season. For those who served and came back hurting, a portion of the proceeds was donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) exists to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred service-connected injuries on or after September 11, 2001. Offering a variety of programs and services, WWP is equipped to serve warriors with every type of injury – from the physical to the invisible wounds of war. The ride was held on June 9th and was approximately 90 miles in length.

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Peters Township

Photos by Gary Yon To see more photos of this even, visit facebook.com/icmags

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

business spotlight

hen you’re thinking of the back-to-school rush at the end of summer, chiropractic care may not be at the top of your to-do list. However, chiropractic care can help give your student the edge both in the halls and on the field during the school year. Dr. Scott Anderson of Anderson Chiropractic said chiropractic adjustments are beneficial as an immune system booster and a sports performance enhancer. “The immune system is affected by an adjustment,” Anderson said. “More than 90 percent of neck problems result in ear and throat problems and headaches. These are upper cervical issues in the neck that can be eliminated by a few adjustments.” Anderson Chiropractic also utilizes cold laser therapy at sore spots to help reduce pain and increase healing of the cells. “The laser is applied right at the area of tenderness and promotes a natural healing at the site,” Anderson said. “When a child complains of pain anywhere, it’s a signal from the body telling you that something’s not right. Many times, it’s a vertebra out of alignment or a pinched nerve. Both can be treated with

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Peters Township

adjustments, the vertebra is put back into its normal place and the patient’s health is restored.” In addition to fewer aches, pains and colds, chiropractic care can help student athletes perform at their peak. “Mostly all professional athletes and Olympic athletes are getting adjusted before and after competing in their respective sports,” Anderson said. “For students, I recommend a spinal

check-up before any season begins, and regular chiropractic maintenance during their active sports season.” Anderson said the rationale is twofold: one, chiropractic care and maintenance increases healing, recovery and flexibility for the athletes; and second, the stresses of some sports take an enormous toll on the body. “I treat a lot of athletes – runners, football players, baseball players,” Anderson said. “Hockey players, wrestlers and gymnasts tend to have the worst issues when it comes to their spines because of the harsh nature of the sports and the stresses placed on their bodies while they compete. They usually need chiropractic care the most.” While Anderson Chiropractic encompasses every aspect of care for your back, Anderson has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, and offers patients nutritional counseling and weight loss programs as well. “We care about the whole being,” Anderson said. “We carry Bode Thirst sports nutrition drinks and Verve energy drinks that, unlike what you find in the supermarket, actually have vitamins, amino acids and electrolytes blended in, that are a healthy and less sugary alternative to store-bought brands.” We also carry Vemma Next liquid vitamins for kids ages two and up; kids love the taste.” Because a healthy spine depends on the entire body being in alignment, Anderson Chiropractic also has custom orthotics for patients who may need them. “We have a scanner that determines weight distribution and checks for imbalances in the body. If you are an athlete, you especially want to have this checked because imbalances in the feet can result in back, knee, ankle and foot pain, as well as undoing all of the chiropractic adjustments that come into play. The orthotics are custom molded to the individual’s foot, so it’s a treatment that’s designed specifically for them.” Anderson Chiropractic is located at 3821 Washington Road. For more information or to make an appointment, go to www.andersonchiropractic.us online, or call 724.941.5805.

UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012

Get Ready for Fall Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.

What’s Inside 2 Elevating Cancer Surgery

for Women to a New Level

3 Give Your Back a Break Using Your Blood for Natural Healing

4 A Partnership of Hope and Transformation

6 Magee’s Newest Baby

Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests

7 Your Doctor and You:

A Healthy Relationship

Elevating Cancer Surgery for Women to a New Level Robotic surgery is transforming the treatment of gynecologic cancers with minimally invasive techniques that offer greater precision and promote faster healing.

For women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial (uterine), and early ovarian cancer, the use of minimally invasive robotic surgery is offering impressive results. “The robotic surgical system is truly revolutionizing the way we operate on certain cancers,” says Alexander Olawaiye, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and director of robotic surgery at UPMC Mercy. Also certified to perform robotic surgery at UPMC Mercy is gynecologic oncologist Wayne Christopherson, MD.

Enhanced clarity and precision With robotic surgery, surgeons also get a magnified, threedimensional view of the inside of the body — up to 12 times what the human eye can see. “That enhanced vision allows us to navigate with far greater precision around delicate internal organs, nerves, and large blood vessels,” says Dr. Olawaiye. “We’re able to see and dissect tissue and lymph nodes more thoroughly, which allows us to do a better job of removing any cancerous growths.” While surgeons applaud the robot’s surgical applications, patients appreciate the benefits it offers after surgery. “Because the incisions are small, there is less bleeding, less pain, and less risk of infection,” explains Dr. Olawaiye. “Most patients go home the day after surgery and return to their regular activities in a week or two.” The most advanced surgical care for all types of cancers is available to patients at the UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC Mercy. To learn more about all the cancer services and treatments offered at UPMC Mercy, visit UPMCMercy.com and click Our Services.

How robotic surgery works

Traditionally, women with gynecologic cancers faced a 12to 14-inch open incision that often involved weeks of recovery. Laparoscopic surgery offered patients a less invasive option, but its stick-like instrument often limited a surgeon’s range of motion. With today’s robotically assisted surgery, the robot becomes an extension of the surgeon’s hands, offering flexibility and a 360-degree range of motion that’s virtually impossible for humans to achieve. “We’re able to manipulate the tips of the surgical instrument at highly unusual angles,” says Dr. Olawaiye. “That gives us critical access to very compact and limited areas of the body.”

UPMC.com/Today

Once you are put to sleep, your surgeon generally makes a series of small incisions (“ports”) in your abdomen. The number and size will vary based on your condition. A surgical cart is then attached to the ports, and specialized instruments are inserted into your body. Your surgeon controls the movements of these instruments from a nearby consol, using controls to guide the surgery. Your surgeon is always in charge — the robot moves only as directed.

Typical benefits of robotic surgery for select gynecologic cancers • Smaller incisions • Minimal scarring • Reduced blood loss

• Less pain • Shorter hospital stays • Faster recovery

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Give Your Back a Break Tips that can help you avoid back pain. Amazingly complex, remarkably strong, and incredibly flexible, your back is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you couldn’t stand up straight, walk on the beach, chase after the kids, or dance the night away. Like most people, you probably take your back for granted — until it starts to hurt. “Eight out of 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives,” says M. Melissa Moon, DO, a physician in the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. So what’s causing all those achy backs? “Everyday habits like hunching over your computer, toting a heavy purse or backpack, or picking up a toddler are often to blame for the pain,” says Dr. Moon.

Using Your Blood for Natural Healing Even after having surgery for a sports-related groin injury, recovery was slow for Megan Cortazzo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UPMC. A fellow physician suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — and her results were so positive that she now offers the service to patients at UPMC.

What is PRP therapy? PRP therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) that promotes the healing of injured or deteriorated tissue. “Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate healing,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “We draw a small quantity of the patient’s blood and spin it in a special centrifuge machine. The process extracts platelets, which we then inject at the point of injury or inflammation,” says Dr. Cortazzo.

Who should use PRP therapy? “PRP therapy’s use by professional athletes has generated tremendous interest in the procedure,” says Dr. Cortazzo.

“And studies show that smokers have more back problems than non-smokers, which is another good reason to quit,” she adds. To help keep your back healthy and strong, Dr. Moon also recommends the following: Sit up straight. Use good posture when sitting or standing. That improves muscle tone and makes breathing easier. Work out. Back and abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles that support your back, while low-impact aerobics strengthens bones and improves blood flow to muscles. Lose it. Being overweight puts added strain on your back muscles. Carrying weight around your midsection isn’t good for your heart either. Think before lifting. Remember to keep your back straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting something. Ask for help with a heavy load. Pay attention. If you feel back pain during any activity, stop and rest. Your body may be trying to keep you from getting hurt. Call the doctor. Most back pain can be relieved with self-care. However, Dr. Moon recommends that you see a doctor if: • You have pain after a fall or injury. • You have weakness, pain, or numbness in one or both legs. • The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest. • The pain is accompanied by trouble urinating, fever, or unintentional weight loss. Learn more about building a healthy back at UPMC.com/Today. Source: National Institutes of Health

It also can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients with a wide range of conditions, she says, including: • Chronic tennis elbow (tendinosis) • Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears • Chronic ankle sprains • Mild arthritis of the knee For best results, Dr. Cortazzo recommends combining PRP therapy with physical therapy.

Is PRP therapy covered by insurance? Because it is still in its infancy, medical insurance does not cover PRP therapy. “Although it’s a self-pay procedure, many patients feel it’s worthwhile because it can eliminate lost work time and the cost of a deductible for surgery,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “Most of all, they want the relief from pain it offers.” For more information about PRP, call UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 412-692-4400, or go to UPMC.com/prp.

1-800-533-UPMC

A Partnership of Hope and Transformation Every year, the lives of 74,000 cancer patients and their families are transformed by the care, specialized services, and research of UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

Applying good science, investing in smart technology, and putting patients first. That’s the philosophy driving the cuttingedge research and lifesaving care offered through UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).

A network like no other UPMC CancerCenter is one of the nation’s largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists. Its more than 30 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio — including UPMC Mercy — bring outstanding cancer care close to home for many patients. “One of the main strengths of the UPMC CancerCenter network is its ability to obtain virtually identical results wherever patients are treated,” says Peter Ellis, MD, director of the medical oncology network. “Our Clinical Pathways are evidence-based care standards that provide uniformity across the network.”

Three powerful pillars supported by 1,700 experts “Through our quarter-century-long partnership, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter have identified three pillars that enable us to achieve our common goals: clinical care, specialized care, and research,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC CancerCenter.

p UPMC is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the best cancer programs in the nation.

“We’re committed to being a leader in the fight against cancer today and tomorrow, with the patient always at the center of all we do,” says Nancy Davidson, MD, director of UPMC CancerCenter. “From the groundbreaking research that takes place in our laboratories to our delivery of the latest cancer therapies in locations throughout the region, we’re at the frontline of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she says. “We also play a key role in inspiring and educating the next generation of bright young scientists and cancer specialists.”

UPMC.com/Today

“It’s not always easy to see the ‘behind the scenes’ story of who we are and what we do. With these three pillars, we marshal the resources of nearly 250 medical, radiation, and surgical oncology physicians; more than 1,160 nurses, technicians, and staff; and 350 research and clinical faculty,” he explains. “Few organizations in the country can match the level of scientific and medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and physical locations found here.”

Pillar I: Clinical Care From the moment of diagnosis, UPMC CancerCenter’s network of nearly 100 medical oncologists links patients to a full range of treatments and services that include: • Conventional chemotherapy • Stem cell transplants • Biological therapy

• Targeted therapies • Hormone therapy • Perfusion therapy

Pillar III: Research UPCI physicians and scientists are recognized leaders in molecular and medical oncology research. Their primary goal is to discover new ways to prevent, treat, and cure all types of cancer, particularly those with the lowest survival rates. Working hand-in-hand with UPMC CancerCenter, UPCI’s investigators strive to translate their research into actual treatment. More than 300 clinical trials now underway at UPCI give patients access to cutting-edge therapies long before they are broadly available. The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 12th most-funded cancer research institution, UPCI received more than $174 million in support in 2011. UPCI is also western Pennsylvania’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. p Mark Sosinski, MD, a nationally recognized lung cancer specialist who joined the UPMC CancerCenter and UPCI team in 2011, says “This was a good fit for me and my research, but the strong leadership really stood out.”

The UPMC CancerCenter radiation oncology network includes 16 community-based radiation oncology centers and 10 dual radiation and medical oncology centers. Many of these sites offer innovative, advanced technology that allows for more precise tumor imaging and radiation treatment. The surgical oncology network specializes in the surgical treatment of a wide variety of cancers, including many rare and difficult tumors. Its multidisciplinary team of physicians has attracted national attention for work in areas such as minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery; specialized procedures, such as the pancreatic Whipple; and regional perfusion therapy, which directs high concentrations of chemotherapy to the tumor site.

Pillar II: Specialized Care For patients with challenging or late-stage cancers, UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center is a beacon of hope and innovation. It is home to internationally regarded surgical, medical, and radiation oncology specialists who perform treatments and procedures unavailable elsewhere in the region. Hillman also has the area’s most advanced imaging technologies to detect cancer and monitor treatment. Nationally ranked Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC features dedicated and comprehensive women’s cancer care, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. For patients with hard-to-treat cancers, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter offer disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics called Specialty Care Centers (SCC) designed to provide quick access to leading specialists. Many SCC reviews are done over the Internet, eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer is provided at the highly-ranked Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

To learn more about UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.

Hillman Cancer Center Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary When the Hillman Cancer Center opened its doors in 2002, it was hailed as an architectural gem — its spectacular, glass-block walled atrium serving as a symbolic link between research and patient care. Today, Hillman Cancer Center is the treatment and research flagship of the growing UPMC CancerCenter network. A 350,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center, Hillman is home to UPMC CancerCenter’s pre-eminent clinical care for patients and UPCI’s internationally recognized academic and research programs. Here, patients and their families have access to specialized cancer diagnosis, prevention, care, and treatment, including multidisciplinary outpatient stem cell transplant services. Architectural rendering of the patient waiting area of the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, currently under construction at Hillman Cancer Center. u

Opening in January 2013, the new Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers will offer comprehensive diagnostic services, individually designed treatment plans, and long-term follow-up services to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other blood malignancies. For more information, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.

1-800-533-UPMC

Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests New state-of-the-art intensive care and cancer care units blend the latest in medical technology with the best in patient comfort.

It’s no coincidence that the words hospital and hospitality share the same Latin root, hospes, which means to treat guests with kindness and care. That spirit of welcome is immediately evident in the thoughtful design of two newly opened patient care units at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC — one of Magee’s major expansion projects during a century of providing medical service.

“Their ideas and suggestions helped us create a quiet, calming, and safe environment for patients and caregivers. Each patient room is filled with natural light and decorated in soothing earth tones, blending comfort with technology. That kind of setting is very important to healing.”

Emphasizing patient and family-centered care Because studies confirm that the presence of loved ones promotes recovery, each patient room in the new unit features a comfortable sleeper sofa to encourage overnight stays. Family members also can order in-room meals for a modest fee, and all patient rooms have free Internet access and cable television. “Every room has separate zoned areas for families and caregivers, minimizing disruption and reducing infection,” explains David Muigai, MD, medical director of Magee’s ICU. “Visitors comment on how quiet it is here, thanks to acoustical features to minimize sound. And the ICU rooms are designed to accommodate changes in a patient’s condition, eliminating the need to transfer patients as they continue to recover.”

p The patient rooms are warm and spacious, with a comfortable sleep sofa to encourage overnight stays by a family member or close friend.

“We wanted Magee’s latest major construction to focus on our patients with the greatest medical needs: those requiring intensive care and women undergoing cancer treatment,” says Leslie C. Davis, hospital president. “We’re still among the leading deliverers of babies in the nation, but we also care for men and children, from infants to centenarians. The additional beds also allow us to expand our core obstetrical (OB) services to the units that relocated. Adding space for our OB patients was a primary reason for this expansion.” Two floors were added to a three-story section of the hospital to create the new 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28-bed Cancer Care Unit, more than doubling the number of critical care beds. Completed in record time, the new units increased the hospital’s overall bed capacity by 13 percent. “Before starting the project, we sought the advice of former patients, as well as our doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Joseph Kelley, MD, director of both the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Magee.

UPMC.com/Today

Each floor also has a family lounge and a meditation room. They offer privacy when needed, and company when desired. Both floors also incorporate the latest technology and best practices in green building solutions to minimize environmental impact. “We couldn’t be prouder of our newest addition,” says Dr. Kelley. “It reflects the kind of signature care and compassion Magee has delivered for more than 100 years.” Several of Magee’s programs, including cancer care, are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2012-13). Learn more about Magee’s services for women and men at UPMC.com/Magee. The meditation room on each floor provides patients and families with a private space that is peaceful and soothing. q

Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship Whether you have a minor concern or a more serious medical issue, your primary care physician (PCP) is the first line of defense in getting well and staying well. If you don’t already have a PCP, it’s best to find the right one before you get sick.

A trusted partner in your good health “It’s important to have a relationship with a PCP you trust and are comfortable with, even when you feel great,” says Jorge Lindenbaum, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Lindenbaum Perryman and Associates-UPMC and medical director of the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic. By getting to know you and your health history, your PCP can provide you with the best care possible.

Someone to watch over you Research indicates that people who have an ongoing relationship with a PCP are healthier than those without one. “Personalized care leads to patient trust, and that is vitally important in the doctor-patient relationship,” says Dr. Lindenbaum. Patients who trust their doctors are shown to have improved outcomes, such as better control of their diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. If you need advanced care, your PCP is the most effective and efficient link to medical specialists, or advanced services or treatments. “For patients and their families, having a PCP to coordinate their care with specialists and other providers is a huge relief,” adds Dr. Lindenbaum. Since early detection can minimize the impact of many illnesses, your PCP will recommend screenings, including annual physicals, Pap tests, breast examinations and mammograms; prostate screenings, and colonoscopies. “Without a PCP, you might ignore important health maintenance issues,” he says.

Finding Dr. Right A PCP can be a family medicine physician, internal medicine specialist, pediatrician, or obstetrician/gynecologist. With so many types of PCPs, how do you choose? For many adults, internal medicine specialists or family practitioners are their PCP of choice. These physicians are equipped to deal with all kinds of health problems, whether simple or complex. “The benefit of having access to highquality, comprehensive care at one convenient location is something patients really appreciate,” says Dr. Lindenbaum. Two new physicians recently joined Lindenbaum Perryman and Associates-UPMC and are accepting new patients. Kelly Chaney, DO, an internal medicine specialist, earned her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisberg, W.Va., and completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Mercy. John Wohar, DO, also completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Mercy. He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pa. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaney, Dr. Wohar, or any UPMC physician, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Did You Know? Back-to-school and sports physicals as well as vaccinations for children of all ages are available at the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic, located at 2000 Mary St. Appointments aren’t needed, and parking is free and plentiful. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 412-488-5705.

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC Mercy

1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 53

dam Parker, a junior at Peters Township High School, was appointed the new Cadet Commander of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Washington County Squadron 601 on Wednesday, June 6, at a special Change of Command ceremony held at the National Guard Armory in Washington, PA. The ceremony was conducted by Capt. Edward Silassy, the newly appointed Commander of Washington Squadron 601. Also in attendance for the event were Maj. Gary Fleming, Vice Commander, CAP’s Pennsylvania Wing, Lt. Col. Edgar R. Flick, Commander of CAP’s Southwestern Pennsylvania Group One, and Washington Squadron 601 members, family and friends. Washington County Composite Squadron 601 is a local chapter of

Engineering Academy at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, FL. “I remember when I first joined CAP. While there were only 5 or 6 of us, we were still a squadron. I looked up to our Commander…I have tried to model myself off of him and the way he led. When he left, and the new commander took over, I was able to learn from a completely different person, who had his own way of doing things. Now that it’s my turn at the helm, I am able to put what I have learned from the previous commanders together and hopefully make this squadron even better,” said Cadet Commander Parker. “I must thank those two, among many other s who have helped shape me to be who I am today. I hope I can fill the big shoes that have been left for me.”

Peters Township High School Student Appointed New Cadet Commander of Local Civil Air Patrol Squadron By Brady Ashe

Civil Air Patrol (CAP), an all-volunteer, civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and a nonprofit organization with more than 61,000 members nationwide. CAP’s membership provides search and rescue, emergency services, youth programs, aerospace education and more for surrounding communities. Cadet Capt. Adam Parker has been volunteering with Washington County’s “Crusader” Squadron since 2008. “I have had the pleasure of watching Cadet Capt. Parker grow from a timid boy into a competent young man who will lead the cadet squadron to become one of the best in our Southwestern Pennsylvania Group,” said Capt. Edward Silassy, Commander of Washington Squadron 601. “I look forward to working with him.” Cadet Capt. Parker has also served as the squadron’s Cadet Advisory Council (CAC) representative for Group One of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and was recently appointed as a state CAC representative for CAP’s Pennsylvania Wing (PAWG). Cadet Capt. Parker has also participated in numerous CAP special activities, including PAWG Basic Encampment, the Northeast Regional Cadet Leadership School in Cape Cod, MA and the U.S. Air Force Civil 54 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Peters Township

In its Air Force auxiliary role, CAP performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 54 lives in fiscal year 2011. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster rel ief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to nearly 27,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. CAP received the World Peace Prize in 2011 and has been performing missions for America for 70 years. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiat ive to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or www.capvolunteernow.com for more information. Washington Squadron 601 meets every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Washington, PA (next to the Washington County Airport). For more information on Squadron 601, go to www.squadron601.us or visit during their r egular meeting times on Wednesday evenings.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 55

business spotlight

Mortland Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

here was a time, not long ago, when sustaining a concussion while playing sports meant a quick dose of smelling salts, counting a few fingers and shaking it off until the cobwebs cleared. That was then. Today, as advancements in understanding the effects of concussions on athletes has progressed, so, too, have the prescribed treatments. Athletes of all levels – from pee wees to the pros – are now encouraged to undergo baseline testing for vestibular (balance) function before the start of each season as well as after an injury. In addition, impact testing for cerebral (cognitive) function following a concussion is rapidly becoming the norm. Factor in the necessary rest period for an athlete until cleared by a physician (no matter how well they may physically appear or how much they may object to being sidelined) and it’s fair to say the road to returning to competition is paved safer than ever before. But that does not mean all treatments are uniform or that there isn’t room for further improvement. That is why Mark Mortland, owner of Mortland Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine in McMurray since 1990, is addressing this demand. Working with his knowledgeable and certified fulltime staff, Mortland – who served 16 years as a trainer with the Pittsburgh Penguins before retiring in 2011 – now offers one of the most comprehensive concussion screening and treatment programs found anywhere in western Pennsylvania, if not the country. “The general protocol used to be, if you had a concussive event, you’d go to the ER and get checked out,” said Mortland. “If there was nothing more serious, you’d get cleared. But if there was a diagnosis, you’d sit around until your symptoms went away.” “But during my years in hockey, when I’d see a player with a concussion, I can’t think of one instance where there wasn’t also a cervical injury. It’s an area of treatment that we focused on with the team but is certainly needed for all participants in youth sports as well.” Mortland said being away from the rink gave him the impetus to help parents of injured student-athletes navigate an otherwise murky sea of concussion treatment options. “Since I retired from my position with the Penguins, I’ve had so many parents come to me and say, ‘What do I do?’ It made me realize that, when looked at from the angle of the parent who wants the best treatment for their child, nothing’s really coordinated right now. I have the opportunity to help.” And help is definitely needed. The occurrence of concussions among athletes today is striking. According to a 2006 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) report on recreational and sports-related concussions among professional, collegiate and youth-related sports activities, more than 85 percent of 3.8 million injuries annually go untreated. 56 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Peters Township

This statistic means athletes often return to their sports too soon and risk further injury that could be permanently debilitating. To that end, Mortland has expanded his facility’s services beyond traditional physical therapy to include a three-pronged concussion treatment program. This program is available to those ranging in age from middle school student-athletes to active adults who remain competitive in their chosen sports. The program consists of: • Free baseline testing (not required for future treatment as normative data may be substituted) – This test involves using the VSR Sport Balance Manager, an ultra-sensitive pressure machine in which athletes stand on a platform to measure their balance and stability. Computerized tests include single-leg, heel-toe and parallel standing exercises with eyes closed and hands on hips. Mortland is proud to say that his facility is the only one to offer baseline testing on this particular machine in the state. • Impact testing – If an athlete suffers an injury and is subsequently diagnosed with a concussion on the VSR versus their baseline numbers, Mortland Physical Therapy provides the athlete with a packaged, printed hard copy of their comparative information. The athlete is then given direct referral to Dr. Bruce M. Cotugno at the Adult Neurology Center for further cognitive testing. Athletes from 9th grade on up are eligible for treatment at the center, which has two locations in Peters Township and Washington (www.adultneurologycenter.com). • Cervical treatment – Once a specific therapy plan is coordinated and prescribed by Dr. Cotugna, athletes receive the appropriate care from Mortland and his staff. This includes a thorough neck and vertebra evaluation, deep tissue massage,

stretching, and strength building of the muscles and joints that comprise the neck to restore athletes to their previous level of function and get them back in the game as soon as possible. Mortland said it is this last area of concussion treatment that, surprisingly, has been greatly overlooked. “When an athlete is concussed, his head will move from one side to the other like he was in a car wreck going 100 mph,” he explained. “So if you have a neck injury and sit around waiting for the symptoms in the brain to subside and don’t treat the neck, you risk muscle overcompensation. This can create a chronic condition that can result in continued headaches.” “Two to three months down the road, when an athlete is still experiencing symptoms, the question

becomes: Is it the neck or the concussion? We make sure to eliminate one or the other by treating both from the beginning.” Once treatment begins, Mortland said the next step is to help the athlete become symptom free for at least 24 hours. After this goal is achieved, he and his staff administer an exertional test, which incorporates low-level aerobic exercise using a formula to calculate and attain an appropriate heart rate. Because concussion patients are often highly sensitive to loud noise and bright light, this test is undertaken by the athlete in a quiet room with softer lighting. Over a period of time (which varies depending on each individual), these exercises are increased in intensity to a full workout. After their results are reviewed and cleared by their physician, the athlete is given approval to return to their respective sport with no contact. Eventually, as the athlete remains symptomfree, they are cleared for full contact. Since Mortland began this concussion program in January 2012, he and his dedicated staff have provided baseline tests to more than 100 athletes in the greater Pittsburgh area from 9th grade on up. These athletes compete in everything from football and lacrosse, to basketball, soccer and even cheerleading. Basically, any contact sport is included. Another key feature to Mortland’s program lies in the testing equipment’s convenient portability. Because the VSR Sport Balance Manager is compact and connected to a laptop and printer, it can be brought to any school, youth or sports organization to have athletes tested onsite. Overall, these recent advancements in concussion treatments have Mortland excited about his company’s role in assisting local athletes who desire to return to their athletic passions while giving parents the peace of mind knowing their child is being treated with utmost care. “I feel so fortunate to get up and go do what I do, to help people,” said Mortland. “It makes you feel good to go from seeing athletes of all ages who come to you in pain to seeing their true personalities come out as they begin to feel better. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” For more information about Mortland Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine (located at 451 Valleybrook Road, McMurray, PA 15317) and its wealth of therapy and training services, please call 724.942.8990 or visit www.mortlandpt.com.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 57

here was nothing to indicate that Peters Township resident Braedon Ondos wouldn’t be born as a normal, healthy, happy baby boy. His Apgar score was high, he was pink, had a robust cry, and was even breastfeeding five minutes after birth. But things changed. Soon after he was born, he was struggling to breathe and fighting for his life due to a rare, overlooked and sometimes deadly genetic disorder called primary ciliary dyskinesia, or PCD. PCD affects an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 people in the United States, yet less than 500 currently know it. “Like many rare disorders, Braedon was the first child that his medical professionals had ever seen with PCD, and they tended to ignore the symptoms and dismiss the seriousness of my concerns,” said Braedon’s mother, Lori Ondos. “Despite clear indications that Braedon had PCD, it still took many years and constant fighting on my part to confirm the diagnosis.” PCD is an inherited defect of the structure or function of the cilia, or hairlike projections that line the airways, middle ears, sinuses, reproductive organs and ventricles of the brain. This defect can cause recurrent infections of the lungs, ears and sinuses, and ultimately lead to serious damage to the tissue in these areas. “For some patients, lung transplants will be necessary,” Lori explained. “Hearing loss and infertility are common, and because ciliary motion is important in determining organ placement in the developing embryo, people with PCD often have their organs reversed, in the wrong place or malformed. When this happens, congenital heart defects or other serious complications can occur.” Braedon has two older healthy brothers, so it was reasonable that his parents would expect nothing but the same. They even chose to deliver Braedon in a birthing suite so that he would be with them throughout their hospital stay, instead of moving him to the newborn nursery. But everything changed about four hours after birth when they noticed something was wrong. “I noticed his breathing was rapid, something that never happened to his brothers. These rapid breathing episodes would come and go, and I expressed my concern to the nurses,” Lori explained. “After a quick listen to his lungs, they would declare him to be normal and told me that this was normal. But I realized that it wasn’t normal, and the episodes of rapid breathing were becoming more frequent. My ‘mother’s intuition’ was working overtime, and the nurses’ continuing insistence this was normal did not reassure me. Finally, I told them that I wanted Braedon to have a chest X-ray, and a doctor was called in to evaluate Braedon.” Although the doctor ordered the chest X-ray, he believed that Braedon’s respiratory problems were caused by a short delivery time, which may have resulted in fluid left in his lungs. During a longer birth, the fluid is removed so the infant can transition to the oxygen environment. When a birth is quick, there may not be enough time to complete this process. “This diagnosis changed after the chest X-ray, however,” Lori said. “Once the X-ray was completed, the doctors told us that they believed the X-ray had been mismarked and had been viewed backward, and it would need to be repeated. However, after the second X-ray, they realized that the first one had, in fact, not been mismarked or read backward, and that Braedon’s chest and abdominal organs were completely reversed, a condition called situs inversus totalis. The second X-ray also revealed that Braedon’s lungs were full of fluid.” Braedon was immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where he was intubated and put on a ventilator because his rapid breathing and increased heart rate indicated that he was struggling to maintain oxygen levels in his blood. “We were told that it was ‘touch and go’ for Braedon, but that his situs issues were not causing his respiratory problems. This turned out to be the second misdiagnosis, and Braedon was less than 24 hours old.” After spending an extended amount of time in the NICU and undergoing several tests and evaluations, he went home and his parents 58 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Peters Township

Tackling a Rare Disease By Heather Holtschlag

believed the worst of his ordeal was over and that he would be fine. Within days, however, they were back at the hospital. During the first seven months of his life, Braedon suffered from pneumonia five times. He had countless ear infections and was on antibiotics around the clock. The next few years, Lori spent looking and researching for answers. She was convinced that Braedon suffered from Kartagener Syndrome, a subset of PCD, but tests done to prove this came back inconclusive. Meanwhile, Braedon continued to struggle. “He weighed only 35 pounds when he turned 5, and he was getting pneumonia about 13 to 14 times a year,” Lori explained. “He would get extremely ill with high temperatures, and it would take us weeks to get him better only then to have it happen again a few days later. He needed frequent sets of tubes to keep his ears clear and sinus surgery to manage chronic conditions.” But out of all of this came some good. Or, at least, some answers. It was during one of his bouts will illness that he was tested again for PCD, which came back conclusive. After five long years, Lori had the answer she had been suspecting. “After all that time of not knowing why our child was so sick and on the verge of having a feeding tube inserted because of his weight, we were relieved to have a medical diagnosis so that we could get the medical equipment and services that Braedon so desperately needed,” Lori said. According to Lori, Braedon, who is 10 years old and a fourth grader at Hillcrest Christian Academy, is currently being treated in a cystic fibrosis clinic in Pittsburgh. His treatment is similar to that of cystic fibrosis, and he requires daily aggressive therapy to keep his lungs as free from infection as possible. The ultimate goal of his treatments is to prevent damage to the lungs that could ultimately lead many patients with PCD in need of a transplant or in respiratory failure. “Currently, there are no specific treatments for PCD and no clinical trials for therapies have been done, partly because the patient group is so small,” Lori explained. “In the meantime, the typical treatment plan for PCD is to prevent or delay lung damage for as long as possible. This means daily airway clearance, nebulized drugs to thin the mucous and open the airway, antibiotics and manual rinsing of nasal passages. These are considered ‘maintenance’ therapies used when he is well, and it takes several hours each day to complete. It can be considerably more taxing when a patient is ill.” A trip the chiropractor may have been life changing for Braedon and his family. “He taught us that Braedon’s immune system was compromised from so many medications, and he helped us slowly wean Braedon off of daily antibiotics and use adjustments to stimulate his immune system,” Lori explained. “It took about seven months before we started to see some really positive results, and three years later, Braedon has gained 40 pounds and has rarely gotten pneumonia. When he has a lung infection, he still needs antibiotics, but by building up his own system, he heals much quicker and is able to limit antibiotic use to only when needed instead of every day.” To learn all that she can about the disease and to help other families who are going through the same ordeal, Lori spends her time working with the PCD Foundation, a voluntary, nonprofit patient advocacy group dedication to raising critical resources to accelerate research toward a cure for PCD. “People with PCD – and all rare diseases – deserve hope for better health and a cure, but there is a bigger picture that often goes unnoticed,” Lori noted. “There are about 7,000 identified rare diseases collectively affecting about 35 million people, and the vast majority are virtually ignored in our current research environment. It is critical for all of us that we ‘unmask’ these patients and devote necessary resources to understand disorders like PCD.” For more information about PCD, or to support the PCD Foundation, contact Lori at londos@pcdfoundation.org or visit www.pcdfoundation.org. Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 59

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business spotlight

McMurray Dental Practice a Staple of the Community for More Than 30 Years D

r. Jay Feuer Family Dentistry is an established dental practice in McMurray. For over thirty years Dr. Jay’s office has been a landmark and a semi-annual stop for thousands of families living in the Peters Township and South Hills region. Patients new and familiar are treated by an attentive team of longterm employees in an office that is modern, efficient and at the same time, relaxed. Short waiting time for appointments has always been the standard for Dr. Jay’s patients, and as a family dentist, he likes to schedule plenty of time for both comprehensive care and pleasantries. He has treated multiple generations of many families and has cultivated a close-knit office staff that interacts warmly with patients and with each other. Some of Dr. Jay’s staff even join him for the community bingo he runs every Tuesday night.

for dentistry and teamwork - a foundation that has led to a successful practice that continues to grow and serve the community. In his spare time, Dr. Jay grows an extensive herb and vegetable garden; woodworking and furniture making take over in the winter months. Dr. Adam enjoys photography and maintains various corals and fish in a saltwater aquarium that he custom built recently. Dr. Jay is proud to welcome his son to his team of expert health care professionals, and the entire team is always eager to meet new patients and reconnect with existing patients. Stop by the office or visit the practice website at www.drfeuer.com to learn more about Dr. Jay Feuer Family Dentistry and schedule your next dental appointment.

In addition to the benefits of personalized care, patients choose Dr. Jay Feuer Family Dentistry for the advantages of its modern facility. Four comfortable, well-equipped patient rooms and the spacious front office are wirelessly connected, with immediate access to electronic medical records. Patient information is secure and up-to-date while being accessible to key staff members by password protected software. This makes the review of important patient history possible, with seamless integration of the digital radiography system. The digital X-rays offer significantly lower exposure to radiation than traditional film and provide instant results that are shared with patients on large, easy-to-view chairside monitors. While the practice has been ahead of the technology curve for many years, more renovations to the office continue with the addition of Dr. Jay’s son, Dr. Adam Feuer. Dr. Adam is a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and is trained in the latest advances in comprehensive oral care. Most established patients already know Dr. Adam for his winning smile and long-term involvement in the practice’s technology and business office. Returning patients will immediately recognize the newly renovated office, with coffee and tea provided daily in the waiting area. Dr. Adam also happens to be right-handed, while Dr. Jay is left-handed, necessitating some equipment updates that might have otherwise been optional! Drs. Adam and Jay Feuer share a gentle approach to dentistry and take pride in educating their patients, granting them the opportunity to choose the best treatment for their personal (and financial) health. They believe in their patients’ ability to make sound decisions when given their complete assessment and treatment options, whether they seek preventative or cosmetic care. They share an evident enthusiasm Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 61

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Peters Township

Community Day

Photos by Primetime Shots

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 63

Peters Cadets Graduate Service Academy By Brady Ashe

Mary taking her oath of commissioning from her father, Brig. Gen. Lewis G. Irwin (who was a Colonel at the time), with her mother (Marcia) looking on.

raduating from a United States Service academy is a telling achievement that succeeds four grueling years on a young cadet’s path to earning the epaulettes that distinguish them as a United States Military officer. It’s a daunting experience that pits the cadet’s discipline, vigor and intelligence against an overwhelming course load and even loftier schedule. Three 2008 Peters Township High School graduates overcame the rigorous programs in May, graduating from their respective academies and emerging as military officers. Mary Irwin and Byron Zajdel graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., while David Neville joined the United States Air Force Academy’s class of 2012 in a graduation ceremony at Colorado Springs, Colo. All three McMurray service members attribute the education afforded to them in and out of the classroom at Peters Township High School as a significant factor in preparing for the military academies. “Peters is one of the best schools in the state and, with the rigor of the academic courses, set me up for success at West Point where the sensory input is intentionally overwhelming,” Irwin said. “They also provide top-notch extracurriculars and athletics to provide a full range of experiences.” For Irwin, who ran cross country at PTHS and was actively involved in the high school’s Model UN program, the USMA is in her blood. Her father, Brig. Gen. Lew Irwin, is a 1986 West Point graduate and veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. For as long as she can remember, Irwin said she had been preparing to enroll at the USMA. That preparation paid off in 2008 when she was accepted to the

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Peters Township

program under the Congressional nomination of Sen. Arlen Specter. Irwin double-majored in international relations and German at the academy where she competed on the crew team for two years. The former cadet also spent a semester abroad at the University of the German Federal Armed Forces in Munich before participating in a cadet troop leadership training program outside of Seoul, South Korea. Irwin’s rigorous training to become an airborne officer was punctuated by several training jumps out of robust C-130 and C-5 aircrafts from 600 to 800 feet in the air. The PTHS graduate’s dedication to the training program was compensated her final semester at the academy when she became the executive officer of her company. The company finished first in its regiment under her guidance. Her rank as 2nd Lieutenant was made official following Mary’s graduation ceremony when her father administered the oath of commissioning at Trophy Point, a scenic overlook of the Hudson River. Her mother, Marcia, watched with admiration as her father held back tears and pinned the officer’s shoulder boards to his daughter’s uniform. “It was a very emotional moment for all of us,” Irwin said. “It was the pinnacle of my career.” The Irwin family’s military legacy continues with Mary’s younger brother Andrew who will enter the academy as a freshman this fall. His older sister will miss his induction as she’s training in Fort Lee, Va., in a basic officer leader course. In November, she’ll complete her paratrooper training in Fort Bragg, N.C. Byron Zajdel shared two graduation ceremonies with Irwin. After serving as PTHS class of ’08 vice president, Zajdel joined

Irwin in enrolling at the USMA to study international relations, Russian and environmental engineering. The serviceman said his education at PTHS, where he took 10 advanced placement courses, was instrumental in his development as a student prior to tackling the imposing curriculum at West Point. “Everyone has a chance to be academically successful with some effort,” he said. “But Peters offers an education and experience with some great teachers that goes beyond what most kids are fortunate enough to have access to. I felt as well prepared as I could have been going into the academy.” Zajdel’s daily schedule at West Point typically entailed 17 hours devoted to course work, extracurricular activities and physical training with extremely limited relaxation time. The recent graduate said his experience was stressful and exhausting but has helped define the person he is today. “I’m a lot stronger having gone through it,” he said. “It’s pretty gratifying but I don’t think I could have handled another semester. I would have gone crazy.” A seasoned violinist, Zajdel served as concert master for the academy’s string ensemble. He spent the remainder of his free time involved in Polish, glee and chess clubs in between his voluntary daily runs he used as a conditioning tool and a means to relieve stress. In the summer of 2009, Zajdel took part in Air Assault School where he learned how to pilot a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, set up landing zones and repel out of hovering aircrafts. The following summer, he traveled to Scotland to observe and train with British operatives before earning a spot on the dean’s list his final semester at West Point. Zajdel currently remains on the New York academy’s campus training cadets. In late August, he’ll report to Fort Benning, Ga., where he will receive training as a tank officer before shipping up to Fort Lewis, Wash., as part of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. He’ll spend three to four years at the Pacific military base and discover what the future holds for his career. “I’m pretty excited to go up there, serve my country and see where it takes me,” he said. Zajdel discovered he was accepted to the academy on the same day his PTHS classmate and fellow violinist David Neville learned he qualified to enroll at the Air Force Academy. Neville, who has always been passionate about aviation and earned a pilot license through the Washington County Airfield in high school, didn’t consider another higher education option once his acceptance letter arrived in the mail. Contintued on next page Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 65

Contintued from previous page The 22-year-old is A legal studies major, currently in Wichita Neville represented the Falls, Texas, where he’s academy in the Netherlands training to become an summer 2009 to observe official United States live legal proceedings at Air Force pilot for about the International Criminal 18 months. Tribunal. The cadet had the Like Irwin and Zajdel, opportunity to learn about Neville is grateful for the international legal system the top-notch education while observing several trials and influential teachers over alleged war crimes offered by the Peters committed by those who Township School served the former Yugoslavia. District in his academic Later that year, Neville preparation for the Air began flying LET TG-10 Force Academy. Peters gliders through an academy Township Middle School program. His knack for social studies teacher piloting the gliders qualified Vaughn Daily recently him for the soaring instructor took the pilot out to pilot program through which lunch to catch up on his he taught fellow cadets how to Mary hugging her sister (Eva) shortly after receiving her diploma with their brother (Andrew) looking on. current affairs. fly the TG-10s. Later, he would “After 10 years, he showed a genuine interest and concern for what teach people how to become a soaring instructor pilot and how to my plans were and how I was doing,” Neville said. “That’s pretty cool recover from a falling spin. and it’s a reflection on the type of educators that PT has. I couldn’t President Obama was in attendance for Neville’s graduation from have been more prepared academically, but nothing could have the academy earlier this year. After the graduate accepted his diploma, prepared me for the arduous schedule and stress at the academy. the President shook his hand, congratulated him for the achievement Having said that, I’d still do it all over again if I could.” and thanked him for his service to the country. “That was definitely a great moment,” Neville said.

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Peters Township

business spotlight

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 67

Local Singer Plays Pittsburgh, New York By Jonathan Barnes

ara Mikula has the best of both worlds for an actress—she is based in New York, but she also is able to perform in her hometown of Pittsburgh, and many other places. Mikula, 28, who grew up in Peters and currently lives in Monroeville, is playing in the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret musical “Ruthless,” at the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret Dinner Theater, a 200-seat venue next to the O’Reilly Theater, in Downtown Pittsburgh. Because of her deep roots in Pittsburgh, Mikula has an edge on other performers unable to leave New York and stay elsewhere to perform. That flexibility helps her to stay busy acting. “Pittsburgh, fortunately, has so much theater. I did move to New York and that is where I am based. But I’m considered a local hire, because I have so much family here. So they don’t have to put me up,” Mikula said. “Though I’m based in New York, I’m so lucky to have this contact. Everybody else in the class has been local… It’s kind of like you go where the work is. I’ve worked in Kansas City and New Jersey.” “Ruthless” is a farce; it is about a third grade girl, Tina Denmark, who wants to be the lead in “Pippi in Tahiti”—a play about Pippi Longstocking. Instead, the girl is cast as the dog in the play. Mikula plays the grandmother, Lita Encore, who is a rough-cut theater critic. Her character really emerges in the play at the end of the first act, giving the mezzo-soprano the chance to have a brassy voice heard in the highly stylized musical. The musical started in January and ran until May 6. It’s not the first time Mikula has performed locally. Last summer she was in the CLO’s production of “The Sound of Music,” at the Benedum Theater, Downtown. Two years ago, she was in the CLO’s production of “Oliver,” which also was at the Benedum. These performances were milestones, since the young performer was long familiar with the local theater. “I used to go see all the CLO shows at the Benedum,” Mikula said. Growing up in Peters, her interest in arts was immediately apparent. She began to play violin and piano at 3, and began dancing soon after. Her first big gig was performing in “Annie” in seventh grade. She took voice lessons from vocal teacher Sandra Greciano since she was in seventh grade, and still occasionally gets a lesson from the Peters vocal coach, who also taught her in college. Mikula attended Point Park University, studying musical theater and graduating with honors in 2005. As it is with some artists, crooning is in her blood.

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Peters Township

Kara Mikula as Lita Encore in Pittsburgh CLO’s Ruthless the Musical. Photo by Matt Polk

“I love to sing—I always have. I was always afraid of acting, really, until I went to college,” Mikula said. These days, in addition to holding a job working in concessions in the theater in New York, she teaches voice to some students. Mikula’s vocal coach couldn’t be more proud. “She shows a lot of confidence but she’s always very willing to try, and that’s very obvious. That voice is always what sells her,” Greciano said. When Mikula began to train with Greciano, her star quality was not obvious. “She worked with me—it wasn’t just there. She was always willing to do the work,” the vocal coach said. “She’s a wonderful spirit. You cannot knock her down, you just can’t.” Mikula credited Greciano with being one of the greatest influences of her life. “I owe her everything,” she said of her voice teacher. Greciano said Mikula has the talent and other skills needed to make it much higher in her field. “She has the most important ingredient: resilience. She always is out there, she never gives up,” Greciano said. “She knows what she can do—it’s just a matter of persevering.” Despite the fact that the CLO Cabaret Dinner Theater seats hundreds and the Benedum Center seats nearly three thousand, how the performers do their craft doesn’t change, Mikula said. “The quality of performance never changes. In a 200-seat space, you can see the people, you can see their faces. It’s exciting—you can see them laugh… In the Benedum, it’s just a big, black void,” Mikula said. While her father and mother and two sisters now live in Charlotte, NC, Mikula still has lots of extended family members in the Pittsburgh area. She stays with a cousin these days. In her free time, she still plays piano and violin, which she finds relaxing. Having the chance to stay busy and make money in her art is thrilling. “I’m having a blast… It’s hard, because it’s inconsistent. But I’m happy to be performing,” Mikula said. Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 69

THE MEDICARE “IMPROVEMENT MYTH”

n order for an individual to receive Medicare covered skilled nursing facility (“SNF”) care, there must have been a 3-day hospital stay prior to the admission to the SNF to qualify for the paid care. Upon the admission to the SNF the individual will undergo rehabilitation therapies that will be covered by Medicare for up to 100 days for each spell of illness. The problem that many families face with an admission to a SNF is the rehabilitation is terminated early because they are told that the patient must show “progress” in order for Medicare to pay for the care. Indeed, federal regulations state that “[t]he restoration potential of a patient is not the deciding factor in determining whether skilled services are needed. Even if full recovery or medical improvement is not possible, a patient may need skilled services to prevent further deterioration or preserve current capabilities.” Yet, in practice, beneficiaries are continuously denied critical coverage and care on the grounds that they are not likely to improve, or are “stable,” or “chronic,” or require “maintenance services only.” Several years ago, a federal district ruled that an administrative law judge (ALJ) with the U. S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) improperly denied Medicare benefits to a patient in a SNF. The ALJ had concluded that “[i]t became apparent that no matter how much more therapy the Beneficiary received, she was not going to achieve a higher level of function.” After undergoing hip replacement surgery Ms. Papciak, 81, developed a urinary tract infection and was readmitted to the hospital. Ms. Papciak was discharged to a SNF to receive therapy. Upon Ms. Papciak’s admission to the SNF, she was unable to ambulate and could not use her walker due to numbness of her hands due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Ms. Papciak also had a history of numerous other medical issues. Ms. Papciak received therapy five days a week; however, she made slow progress during her stay. Her therapy included physical and occupational therapy, treatment, self care, therapeutic exercises and therapeutic activities. Her initial treatment was primarily for ambulation. Medicare paid for the skilled care for a period of 36 days. She was denied continued Medicare covered therapy because it was determined that she had made only minimal progress in some areas, had regressed in other areas, and had been determined to have met her maximum potential for her therapy. Ms. Papciak appealed the decision denying coverage, and her appeal worked its way up the chain to an administrative law judge, which upheld the denial, which was then upheld by CMS’s Medicare Appeal Counsel (MAC). After exhausting her administrative remedies, Ms. Papciak sought relief in federal district court. The federal district court sided with Ms. Papciak. The proper legal standard to be applied to determine if a patient is entitled to Medicare benefits in a skilled nursing facility is whether the patient needs skilled services to enable her to maintain her level of functioning. In the CMS Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Manual, the reviewing authorities must give consideration to a patient’s need for skilled nursing care in order to maintain her level of functioning. The relevant portion reads: “The services must be provided with the expectation, based on the assessment made by the physician of the patient’s restoration potential, that the condition of the patient will improve materially in a reasonable and generally predictable period of time, or the services must be necessary for the establishment of a safe and effective maintenance program.” Neither the ALJ nor the MAC addressed Ms. Papciak’s need for skilled nursing care in order to maintain her level of functioning. This

was error, held federal Magistrate Judge Cathy Bissoon, requiring that the decision to deny her benefits be overturned. It is critically important that individuals entitled to these benefits understand the standard in which their care should be measured. What happened to Ms. Papciak? She was hospitalized again, discharged to a different SNF, where she received physical and occupational therapy under the proper Medicare benefit standard, and was ultimately discharged home. Individuals who feel the “improvement standard” as been wrongly applied to their loved one should contact an elder law attorney or the Center for Medicare Advocacy.

Christine Brown Murphy is a partner with the elder law firm of Zacharia & Brown, PC. Zacharia & Brown is one of the oldest, most established elder law firms in Western Pennsylvania. Their practice includes life care planning for seniors, elder law, Medicaid & Veterans Benefits eligibility, nursing home asset protection, care review and advocacy, and estate planning and administration. Contact information: www.PittsburghElderLaw.com, 724.942.6200, 111 West McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 71

e t a d Up

Soccer Boosters & KeNya

BY Shane Pruitt

f someone had asked me during my early years of soccer where I expected soccer to take me, I can’t say that my answer would have been to the other side of the world in a village outside of Nairobi, Kenya. It hadn’t really set in until I arrived at the airport that I was headed to Africa and I was going to be able to use a sport that so greatly influenced my life to spread the Gospel and help those who were less fortunate. My junior year in college I had taken a course entitled African Economics. This course was so intriguing that it sparked a fire inside me to try and help out in an underprivileged part of the world. Ironically, while the Kenyan people don’t enjoy many of the material items we take for granted, they are more fortunate when it comes to character and relationships. The people of Kenya were amazing and were always putting us first. They made sure we had seats before they sat and had food before they ate. It really opened my eyes; we were the ones who came to help them, but we were the ones who truly benefited the most. I know it sounds cliché to say we learned more from them, but it could not be any truer. While we were in Kenya we worked on two separate churches that were about 15 minutes away by car. In the first church we were able to plaster the interior walls, install a concrete floor with a pulpit, install a new tin roof, install two cast iron doors, and plaster the front exterior face of the church. It looked amazing when it was done, and the men and women who worked with us had an excellent work ethic. The second church was struggling to keep its members due to a pastor who had chased off much of the congregation. We were able to hopefully make it more attractive to members by installing a concrete floor inside.

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Thanks to monetary donations from our sponsors, we were able put two young men through school. Their school fees were such a small amount compared to what we in the U.S. pay for school. Before I go any further, I would just like to thank the Peters Township Soccer Association and the players and their families for being so generous with their donations of soccer balls, and also for helping with the costs to fly them. This display of generosity speaks volumes about the community and the organization. I cannot begin to describe what joy was brought to each child who received a ball; seeing the excitement on their faces can’t even be put into words. It didn’t matter if the ball was used, had scratches, or was a little beat-up; it was like they had received the official ball of the World Cup. We were able to give three balls to each of the three schools we visited, and the rest were given to local churches, kids who showed up to our events, and a few of the people we met throughout the week. The Saturday before we left we had a Kenya vs. U.S. soccer game, and the whole community came out to watch. We ended up losing 2-1, and our lone goal was scored by Jon Boyd of Upper St. Clair. The score didn’t matter though. I remember at one point standing in the middle of the “field,” which was a combination of 2-foot grass and dry dirt patches, and looking around for a little bit. The crowd was cheering, people were laughing, and others were dancing to the music being played. I remember thinking how amazing this experience was: 13 Americans being accepted into a community so far away. It was at that moment that I realized this was not Americans and Africans but all of God’s children coming together as one. I cannot thank everyone who supported us enough for enabling us to make this trip to Kenya. There is one thing that I tell everyone who asks me about my trip: if you are considering a trip like this or you feel like you’re being called to serve somewhere—DO IT. You will not regret it, and your life will be changed in many ways. Thanks again to everyone who supported our team, and God Bless.

B righten Up the S hortening D ays With D iamonds! A ugust and September are the racked up quite a collection. Her bittersweet months that mark the end of granddaughter-in-law, Princess Kate summer and the beginning of autumn. Middleton dons a stunning sapphire Themes such as football, school and changing engagement ring which is also the birthstone leaves remain obvious, however it is also a time of year for the month of September. Sapphires are said to filled with interesting tidbits regarding the fashion and bring inner peace and spiritual enlightenment to the jewelry culture. Here are some pop culture facts about August and wearer. Of course it is known that the ring once belonged to the September that may inspire or just down right amuse!!!! enigmatic Princess Diana who devoted much of her time in various This particular August marks the 50th anniversary of Marilyn areas of humanitarianism. Monroe’s death. Monroe’s intense love for jewelry is best noted Regardless of the season, there is always a reason to celebrate when she passionately sang “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” the life. Whether it’s a Superbowl Championship ring or a diamond phrase named for the song in the 1953 movie “Gentlemen Prefer engagement ring, these are the moments where it’s just the Blondes”. A true legend and jewelry enthusiast she is an icon that beginning of something greater than the jewelry itself. Traditions spans generations and remains an inspiration in fashion and jewelry are passed on, stories are shared, and dreams turn into reality! alike. While Monroe’s love affair with diamonds were the most documented, it is not clear if she had a taste for peridot, the birthstone for August. This green stone, noted for its soothing This Industry Insight was written by Amie Guarino Yadouga. color and medium hardness, is often worn by individuals who Yadouga is a jewelry stylist for Louis Anthony Jewelers. She has a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from West Virginia consider themselves breakers of tradition. University and has studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Queen Elizabeth is celebrating her diamond jubilee this year New York City. Amie has been involved in the family business and September 30th marks the final day of the extravagant exhibit since high school. For more information, visit Louis Anthony at Buckingham Palace featuring an extensive collection of her Jewelers at 1775 North Highland Rd., call 412.854.0310 or visit www.louisanthony.com. diamond jewelry. Before her reign began 60 years ago, the Queen

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 73

Summer Foot Care Tips

n the summer we look forward to shedding our socks and shoes to let our feet breathe in the warm weather and sunshine. Several tips come to mind for the summer sandal season. Everyone enjoys a pedicure from time to time, but take care to enjoy these safely. • Schedule these early in the morning, when foot baths are typically cleanest. Most salons filter and clean their foot baths between clients, but inquire about your salon’s sterilization techniques. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if not removed. • If you enjoy pedicures often, consider investing in a set of your own pedicure utensils and take them with you to the salon. • If your toenails are healthy, it is fun to paint them. Do not leave polish on too long and when removing it, use a non-acetone polish remover. Take a break from polish occasionally to allow the nail plate to breathe. If you polish frequently, consider an antifungal polish.

Summer footwear is fun, but shop smart: • Buy the appropriate size. Your heels or toes should not hang over the front or back of the shoe. The whole bottom of the foot should be protected to avoid potential scrapes or punctures. • If you like a flip flop, it is wise to shop for flips made of high quality soft leather and that offer support. The flip flop should be thicker on the bottom to add increased shock absorption and it should have a padded toe thong. When you walk, the flip flop should bend at the ball of the foot and never fold in half or thirds.

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For those who are fans of the traditional rubber flip flop: • These shoes are usually thin and show signs of wear after just one season. Replace them annually or they can contribute to a multitude of foot problems if re-worn. • The flip flop is a wonderful solution for walking around the pool or for showering after swimming or exercise at the gym. Walking barefoot in public areas on a regular basis can lead to plantar warts and athlete’s foot. • Flips lack arch support and offer little shock absorption. They are not good for walking long distances and should be avoided when playing active sports such as volleyball. Wearing flip flops for these activities can lead to tears between the toes, twisting of the foot or ankle, sprains or stress fractures. • The design can cause irritation between your toes where the toe thong fits, which can lead to a form of fungal infection in that area. It is wise to inspect the area between your toes on a regular basis. In the summertime we can let our feet have fun. Use these tips to take care of your feet so you can enjoy your summer even more! This Industry Insight was written by Karen K. Luther. Karen K. Luther, D.P.M., Director of Pittsburgh Family Foot Care, P.C., Board certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery, Board certified, National Board of Podiatry Examiners, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. 2001 Waterdam Plaza Drive, Suite 207, McMurray, PA Tel: 724.941.9440 www.pffcpc.com

Mighty Indian Marching Band Observes 40th Anniversary At Band Festival Music will fill the fall night air as the Mighty Indian Marching Band hosts the 18th annual Band Festival on September 15, 7 p.m, at the Peters Township High School stadium. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the band, founded in 1972 by Dr. Robert Dell. Some of the featured high school bands this year will be South Park, Chartiers Valley, Avella, West Greene, Chartiers Houston and the Mighty Indian Marching Band, under the direction of Milt Barney. The Robert Morris University Band will also perform at this year’s festival. The public is invited to help celebrate the anniversary and enjoy an evening of great marching band performances. Admission prices are $6 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens. Concessions will be available.

South Fayette Class of ‘82 will celebrate their 30th High School reunion on October 20, 2012. Please contact us for more information at SFReunion82@gmail.com or call 412.266.6497.

High Holiday Seniors Luncheon Wednesday, September 12th at 12 noon at the Chabad of the South Hill’s, 1701 McFarland Rd., Mt. Lebanon. Please join us for a delicious lunch including apples and honey, and honey cake. High holiday music and entertainment. Suggested donation $5. Wheelchair accessible. RSVP to barb@chabadsh.com or call 412.278.2658.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Peters Township Newcomers and Neighbors The Peters Township Newcomers and Neighbors (PTNN) will be holding their annual kick-off reception on Wednesday, September 19 at Rolling Hills Country Club beginning 7 p.m. PTNN is a not-for-profit women’s civic and social organization with a variety of activity groups. For over 47 years members have enjoyed events like wine tastings, Bunco, book groups, children’s playgroups, couples socials, luncheon excursions, monthly gardening tips, and supported charitable endeavors including the Relay for Life. Women who join our group include newcomers to Peters Township and the surrounding areas, as well as long time residents who enjoy meeting new people, participating in our events, and sharing their hobbies and skills with the group. Come meet our members and enjoy a fun evening out. Hors d’oeuvres provided. There will also be a cash bar, raffles, and silent auction items. Newcomers and long time residents welcome! To reserve a spot at the kickoff or for more information about PTNN check out our website (www.Ptnc.org), e-mail Michelle Bruce at mitchbruce@gmail.com or call 724.503.8523.

Tryouts

Monday, August 6th at 6 p.m. Rolling Hills Country Club The Peters Township Swim Club is a nonprofit organization in association with the Peters Township Recreation Board. PTSC, operated by members and volunteers, is dedicated to teaching competitive swimming to young people aged 5 to 18 in a team atmosphere. In order to be rated club level ready and eligible for membership, swimmers should be able to swim at least one length of the pool (25 yards) freestyle and demonstrate proper stroke technique (e.g., head position, use of both arms, proper breathing, etc.). Swimmers who are not quite ready for club membership but able to demonstrate basic freestyle technique will be considered for our Novice swim program. The Novice program is designed to teach fundamental proper stroke technique for all four strokes (freestyle, breast, back and fly) with an emphasis on freestyle, and to build stamina in preparation for club membership. Please RSVP on our website (www.ptsc.org) if you plan to attend so we can have adequate resources available at tryouts. If you have any questions email learn2swim@ptsc.org.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 75

Focusing on Reading Readiness for Children M

any parents look forward to announcing that their child can read, but the truth is children are reading long before they can interpret the pages of the book. As with most things in life, reading requires the proper building blocks before it can begin. Reading begins with language and how it relates to your child’s world. Creating a language-rich environment will help your child’s vocabulary grow. Language develops with every interaction you have with your child – infants begin by reading their parents’ facial expressions while older children develop their vocabulary by listening and eventually repeating what their parents say. Verbalize your child’s world and he or she will begin to repeat sounds and syllables – be sure to pause, speak and alter conversation style. Remember, it takes many interactions with the alphabet and phonemic awareness for reading skills to develop. The following are easy-to-follow steps for your child when it comes to reading:

Infant to One Year

• Play appropriate music; it leads to acute sound discrimination used later in letter sound discrimination. • Read simple board books with one picture per page, contrasting colors or simple pictures, and point to the items on each page. • While reading to your child, make

faces – it’s fun and your child will notice subtle differences. • Allow your child to point and turn book pages. • Describe everything: name colors, shapes and sizes. • Verbalize and describe your child’s actions (e.g., “That’s the blue ball. Uh-oh, it rolled away. I’ll roll it back to you. You caught it.”) First Steps (12-18 months)

• Read longer stories to your child and allow him or her to interact with the book – pointing, turning pages or even turning the book upsidedown. • Name objects as your child points. • Sing and give characters of books funny voices. • Offer opportunities for discrimination. • Talk about the stop light (e.g., red circles mean ‘stop,’ green circles mean ‘go’). • Play with objects that are similar and point out the differences (e.g., cow versus horse). • Speak to your child in a normal tone to demonstrate accurate sound recognition. • Enunciate words of interest like M-MMommy. • As syllables start to represent words, such as “juice” and “more,” expand upon them (e.g., “apple juice,” “Would you like more apple juice?”). Toddler & Get Set (18-36 months)

• Read everything – signs, labels, toys and your child’s name. • Take cues from your child – interested, not interested, read or just look at the pictures, read more or stop before the end of the story? • Find and point out shapes and symbols in your home or community. • Recite rhymes and alliterations; pause to allow your child to fill in the last word or phrase. • Play games such as Candyland® where symbols lead to action. Preschool (36 months +)

• Read words and point to each one as you read it, moving your finger from left to right, top to bottom. • While grocery shopping, ask your child to find an item that starts with a certain letter or find a particular cereal. Have these items on your grocery list for comparison. • While in the park, ask your child to bring you nature items one at a time. Write the word

for each item and then write a story with these words. • Show your child speech in the written form. Ask your child what he or she would like to buy at the grocery store and add it to your grocery list together. Pre-Kindergarten (48 months +)

• Read with your child. Take turns reading pages, modeling intonation and punctuation cues. • Play “Going on a Hike.” Start by picking a letter and saying. “I’m going on a hike and in my backpack I have a …” Take turns repeating the sentence, naming the previously listed words and adding a new word that starts with the chosen letter each time. • Ask your child to get something in the pantry that he or she would not recognize by sight; provide the beginning letter sound of the item and ask him or her to search for it by reading the letters. • While driving, ask your child to help you find a particular street sign. Finding a preschool/early childhood center that runs their program year round can be very beneficial for reading readiness and other developmental areas as well. The very best early childhood centers include developmental guidelines for each classroom and age level that include specific goals related to reading emergence as well as other developmental goals. Some centers are also able to do layered learning within each classroom to support individualized learning. Don’t be fooled by a glitzy sales pitch; the staff must be educated in writing and implementing lesson plans to support layered learning. The most ingenious preschool programs are integrating specialty enrichment resource programs, such as a second language, sign language, math, science, fitness, and music, into their curriculum. This seamless assimilation provides optimum learning opportunities for children in a convenient ‘all-in-one’ package.

This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo. Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School®, located at 825 East McMurray Rd. in Peters Township. Goddard offers both full- and part-time Infant/ Preschool/K programs. For more information, visit www.goddardschools.com or call 724.941.6464. 76 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Peters Township

How We Met Shawn & Heather Clark Married August 10, 1994

I didn’t know my wife’s name when I asked her to marry me. I was home on leave from deployment to the Persian Gulf and was scheduled to return to Hawaii the next day. I was out with friends at a local watering hole and that’s when I saw her. I didn’t approach her right away. As a matter of fact, I tried to ignore her but kept looking back to see if she was still there. She was talking to friends of her own. I kept getting distracted and found myself not even hearing the conversations around me. I had to talk to her. I approached her, not knowing what I was going to say, when I found myself standing in front of her looking back at me with that beautiful smile. The first words out of my mouth were, “Will you marry me?” She looked at me and laughed. “You’re crazy,” she said. I looked at her ever more determined and said, “You didn’t say no, so I’m going to stand here and talk some more.” The conversation wandered around a bit, but I kept coming back to that question, “Will you marry me?” I asked what was tying her down, “boyfriend, job or school?” She said, “No, no and no.” I said, “Then come with me. Let’s leave first thing in the morning,” Again, with a coy smile she exclaimed, “You’re crazy!” Again, I repeated, “You didn’t say no, so I’m going to stand here and talk some more.” Each time she laughed. We talked all night and at one point I asked her what her lucky number was. She was quick to answer. “Seven,” she said. “Great, mine too!” I said. I then pulled a quarter from my pocket and said, “I am going to flip this quarter seven times and let you call it.” She called it every time. Again, I exclaimed, “There you have it, it was meant to be!” For the first time of the night one of her friends actually sided with me and said, “Heather, maybe he is right, I think you should do it.” That was the first time I had heard her name. It was then that our eyes locked and time stood still for a brief instant. It seemed that it was no longer a loud smoke-filled room. It was just the two of us alone together. It was then that I knew she was going to marry me. We talked all night. Friends departed and I said many goodbyes to

people that had gathered. As the place closed we made our way outside but never got in either of our cars. We stayed in the parking lot and continued to talk until the sun came up. We laughed, joked, and talked as though we had known each other for years. Time eventually ran short and I had to depart on my trip. I had to drive to California to drop my car off and ship to Hawaii. I planned to fly from Los Angeles in a few days to return to my command. All through the night and into the morning I kept repeating the question, “Will you marry me?” she never said no, but she never said yes. “Let’s go by your house, pack a bag and go,” I said. She was hesitant. I reluctantly relented and admitted defeat saying, “I have to go. Are you sure you won’t come with me?” She simply said, “I can’t.” I smiled at her and insisted one last time, “You will marry me. Maybe not today, but you will.” I drove about 20 hours on the first leg of my trip. The road seemed to drag on forever and the farther away I got, the more I kept thinking about her. I was locked on the moment we shared and still convinced that someday she would be my wife. As the miles wore on, my convictions began to seem more unlikely. Putting 600 miles between us made a fairy tale ending seem far out of reach. But in my gut, I still believed. My journey continued and I did not call, but I could not stop thinking about her. When I arrived in Honolulu I finally called her. We talked for almost two hours that night and made arrangements for her to fly out. A week later she stepped off the plane and three days later we were married. At the beginning of this story I said I didn’t know my wife’s name when I asked her to marry me. I didn’t know her for seven minutes. However, seven coin tosses led us to 18 great years of marriage. August 10, 1994 we married. It is now 2012 and it seems like it’s only been about seven minutes. I’m still excited about what the next seven will bring! Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 77

Take the Right Steps to Avoid

Plantar Fasciitis

braham Lincoln once said, “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” If Mr. Lincoln ever suffered from plantar fasciitis that’s probably all he could do - and even that may not have been so easy. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia – the thick ligament and connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot. It usually feels the worst in the morning when getting out of bed and walking after sitting for a long period of time. And, it can strike anyone from the most conditioned athlete to the everyday office worker. So how does this condition develop? It begins when the plantar fascia is continuously over stretched, or a long-term forceful stretch is put on the tissue, causing several micro-tears to occur. The tears will gradually build on one another and cause significant irritation, making it difficult to stand and walk. However, there are other factors that may contribute to its onset, including age (over 40), a job, sport, or hobby involving extended standing or other weight-bearing activity, rapid increases in length or levels of activity, such as beginning a new running program or changing

to a job requiring a lot more standing or walking than normal, decreased calf muscle flexibility, increased body weight (BMI greater than 30) or a tendency to have a flat foot. Physical therapy can treat plantar fasciitis with easy and quick stretches, and high-tech machinery to prevent and help ease inflammation and heel pain. Begin with stretching of the heel cords and the plantar fascia ligament while standing and sitting. This promotes blood flow and flexibility to the affected area. The calf muscles are generally tight in patients with plantar fasciitis. It can limit the degree of flexion when curling the toes toward the knee; and therefore, increase pressure on the plantar fascia. Stretch this muscle by standing and facing a wall with your arms on it for support. Place your painful foot in the back and bend the front knee until a gentle stretch is felt on the back of the lower leg. Keep the heel down and pressure on the outside of the back foot. Hold for 30 seconds three times and then repeat this exercise at least three times per day. Repeat this same stretch but bend the back leg at least 30 degrees. This will stretch the soleus muscle. This stretching sequence is pivotal to preventing and treating plantar fasciitis. For individuals who run as part of their daily exercise program, developing plantar fasciitis can severely impair mobility and hinder strength and endurance during recovery. Summit Physical Therapy in Peters Township, which owns the only AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill in the South Hills, can develop a treatment plan to help ensure continuous momentum while promoting safe treatment and recovery. The AlterG® allows patients to walk or run without bearing their entire weight, which reduces impact on the body to optimize rehabilitation and physical therapy outcomes. The NASA-based technology applies a lifting force to the body, reducing weight on the lower extremities and allowing precise unweighting – up to 80 percent of a person’s body weight, so patients can find exactly where the pain stops and natural movement feels good again. Plantar fasciitis does not have to become a debilitating problem. Be aware of any feelings of strain in your feet and seek treatment if problems arise and persist.

This Industry Insight was written by Nick Martin, LPT, OMPT, and Mark Mascio, LPT, CWCE. Martin and Mascio are co-owners of Summit Physical Therapy and have been voted Best Physical Therapy Clinic in the Ohio Valley since 1993. Their newest clinic is located at 100 Wilhaven Drive, McMurray, PA 15317. Call 724.941.3727 to schedule an appointment or visit www.SummitPTofPA.com for more information.

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Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 79

By Amanda Fastuca

The prospect of bringing a pet into the family might come up every now and then in conversation, with questions still up in the air. The truth is, it all depends on which house pet is right for you.

According to the 2011-2012 American Pet Products Association (APPA), in the National Pet Owners Survey, researchers found that there are about 72.9 million households in the United States that have at least one pet. That’s more than 60 percent of the U.S. population who are considered pet owners! This number has drastically increased within the last 20 years. The survey’s results also show that the benefits of owning a pet include relieving stress, creating companionship, and just making a pleasant change in your daily life. Describing only a few of the many household pets in the U.S., it’s proven that those who have a close relationship with their animals tend to live a longer and healthier life. It especially helps those who might suffer from depression or illnesses.

–––––– FISH –––––– There are currently about 151.1 million freshwater fish that are owned within the U.S., making them the number one household pet. Because of the way fish peacefully glide through the water, they are known to have a calming effect on their owners. Fish are also an easier, less expensive alternative to a larger pet. Although the prices can vary, depending on the type of fish and aquarium, fish are generally an affordable investment. Owning fish requires little maintenance; however it is very important that they are still cared for on a regular basis. The main and most important responsibilities in caring for fish are as follows: • Appropriate feeding • Checking water temperature and equipment • Cleaning the tank or aquarium when necessary 80 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Peters Township

–––––– CATS –––––– Cats are the second most popular pets owned in the United States. With 86.4 million house cats, they are an affordable way to add a loving animal member to your home. For the most part, cats are easy to maintain. Because they have a natural instinct to clean themselves, frequent bathing is not necessary. Although commitment and plenty of care is essential, house cats usually don’t require too much attention, making them great pets for those who are generally busy throughout the day. Prices also vary when it comes to choosing the right cat. Some breeds range from 500-1,000 dollars, plus other expenses like food, vaccines, operations and other necessities. However, adoptions from shelters are becoming more and more popular. Cat adoption varies from about 100-150 dollars, making the purchase much more affordable. In fact, many cat lovers might agree that adoption is the best way to go.

–––––– DOGS –––––– Number three on the list of the most-owned house pets belongs to “man’s best friend,” a dog. There are about 78.2 million domestic dogs in the U.S. With their energetic personalities and great sense of companionship, dogs require the most attention. Depending on the breed, grooming and hygiene care must be taken with full responsibility. Along with grooming comes time and commitment to training and building a strong relationship. Training can be time consuming, but is well worth it when accomplished. As most of us already know, dogs are known to be quite active and playful. According to the previously mentioned survey, 40 percent of dog owners say that they are more motivated to exercise on a regular basis than those who do not own a dog. Like cats, dogs can get quite expensive as well, depending on the breed. Purchasing a pet-quality puppy can be anywhere from about 300 to over 1,500 dollars. However, adoption can go as low as 60-70 dollars. Additional costs also must be kept in mind. When the topic of animal shelters and adoption comes about, certain points should be highly considered. With such a low percentage of rescued pets being returned to their original owners, about 5-7 million animals are kept in a shelter or rescue society.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 81

e w r e a n y r e v e ith

cognitively process speech and the sounds of the world that keep us acclimated and in communication with people! This is called Aural Rehabilitation and it is a process that takes time. A 12 year study out of Johns Hopkins, recently posted in the Archives of Neurology has linked hearing loss to Alzheimer’s/ Dementia. For every 10% of hearing loss that goes untreated over a prolonged period of time, the risk for developing Alzheimer’s is increased by 20%. We have certainly seen the relationship between Have you ever googled Hearing Aids? Holy Cow! As someone who hearing loss and Dementia for years in our Practice. How can we has devoted 25 years to becoming an expert on the subject and remember what we don’t hear or understand clearly? The brain slows building a Practice to be proud of, by any standards, I can tell you that c ognitively and it takes extra effort to understand conversations, it will boggle your mind and leave you frustrated in your search for which is not only tiring but frustrating, embarrassing and impacts the Better Hearing! Our Patients tell us every day that they were referred persons self confidence and well being, according to a National to our Practice by their Dr., their insurance company, a friend or Council on Aging study. This study has shown that untreated hearing family member, or because we have been in their community, in the loss can lead to isolation and depression as well. Wearing Hearing newspapers and in their mailboxes for so long, that we have earned a Aids daily, reverses these affects thru aural rehabilitation. trusted reputation. They always knew when they were ready to seek So, in th is new era of technology comes an enlightenment, as to help with their hearing needs, they would come to us. the importance of our hearing as it relates to our quality of life. It is no longer an issue of pride or just a matter of convenience. The Q: Why are hearing aids different than other electronics that average age of the hearing aid wearer is now headed toward 55-65 you can purchase on the internet, or out of a magazine? Why (as opposed to 80 in our Parents' time). This is in large part due to are the prices for hearing aids all over the place, from a few the baby boomers with hearing loss and the fact that we have been hundred to thousands? Why is the Professional that fits the made more aware of the impact of hearing loss through our careers, hearing aid so important, vs. I will just get one over the counter family and social life (partially from observing this negative impact and do it myself? Why do I need to have my ears inspected in our Grandparents and Parents lives). Why do we see ads otoscopically and my hearing Professionally tested before I get everywhere about hearing aids? Because the need (market) is about a hearing aid? What’s the difference between all of these to double to over 70 million and baby boomers want to remain models (sizes), and manufacturers (brands)? active, youthful and sharp! Everyone wants a piece of the action! Hearing aids, back when I started my Practice, were dirty words, a necessary evil! Today they function digitally, providing greater These are the questions that will boggle your mind when researching where to find the right hearing instruments with the benefit and are cosmetically discreet or even invisible. most benefit at the lowest price. Isn’t that what we all want when shopping for anything? The best bang for our buck?! What do we The Lyric Hearing instruments are now extended wear, inserted generally do when we don’t know what to do, or where to go? by Certified Professionals and programmed to correct your hearing WE DO NOTHING! We are frozen with frustration and the loss. They are worn 24/7 to sleep and even shower. They are fear of losing our money! We hear it every day! People that have replaced in our office every 3-4 months. Totally invisible. Very needed help for years, but for all of the reasons listed above, they natural and clear sound quality. Updated with every new held back. (It used to be simple vanity, but microelectronics make improvement in technology as you go, included in the original hearing aids virtually unnoticeable today). price. So we now have Extended wear as well as Daily wear (the hearing aids we remove daily) The Answers: Hearing is a brain function. The ears are the Hearing aids are micro electronics (computers ) with a number pathway and that pathway becomes damaged due to noise, aging, of channels, that work like graphic equalizers. The manufacturers illnesses, ototoxic medications, or even hereditary factors. Almost have broken down the technology levels according to the number 95% of hearing loss is sensorineural (nerve loss) and hearing aids of channels, the advancements providing clarity of speech in noise are needed to make up for the damaged hair cells (nerve). Hearing and the amount of automatic noise reduction for background noise aids get the missing information to the brain, so that the brain can (noise that is uncomfortable and interferes with our conversations). e may like some of the changes that have occurred and we may really dislike others, but one thing is certain; there will always be constant change in Technology. It doesn’t mean that we understand them, but we somehow learn to utilize new electronic gadgets like, cell phones, computers, I-Pods etc.... This era is certainly about information and communication! No more unanswered questions, right? We just google it!

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Peters Township

come

. . . . . s change …..

Written by Debra Swift Founder/President of Swift Audiology

The more the Professional can customize the function of the hearing instruments on the software for the Patients hearing and lifestyle, the more advanced the technology level, the more automatic in noise and the greater the understanding of speech in noise. (Which is where most of the difficulty occurs) THUS; The difference in price. If you are finding a low price, you could have a lower level of technology that would not provide as much of a benefit for clarity or comfort in social situations. Patients do fine with introductory hearing aids if their lifestyle is home bound and they have a mild to moderate hearing loss. Watch for the bait and switch ads though, that get you in the door and then tell you what you really need! Compare Apples to Apples, not to oranges! Another difference in pricing between providers, is if the hearing aids are bundled with all of the lifetime cleanings, services, maintenance, replacement of all the tubings, receivers, microphone covers, volume controls and battery doors. Additionally; reprogrammings, along with annual testing of your hearing to maintain cognitive functions through clear speech discrimination. Is verification testing done, to show the benefit of the hearing aids provided? Are there referrals to Otolaryngologist when there is medical necessity or red flags? Are there "Free" batteries and extended warranties with the option to renew both when warranties expire? These services and batteries are worth much more than the cost that is built in; vs. buying UN-BUNDLED or paying al-a-cart as you go. A per visit, or per service basis (with UNBUNDLED hearing aids) will cost more, if the Patient ACTUALLY DOES what is required, for continued optimal hearing benefit with the aids. That is actually why so many end up in the drawer after a time period. A good provider will set you up on a program to cover all of these things on an on-going basis. Then you have value/benefit for the cost! Is it better to buy a Hearing Aid for $1,000 that ends up in a drawer, with no service, or to pay a little more with bundled services, batteries, warranties that provides everything you need for the life of the aids to hear well? If a Patient needs that price range, Swift has aids that include bundled services with them. We explain the differences and

you make an educated choice! We offer many options and you're never stuck with your choice if it s=isn't satisfactory. Think about how much moisture from perspiration, wax and dead skin end up in this electronic device when worn daily. If aids aren’t dried and vacuumed out, how will they perform well? Humans are about 80% moisture. The ear produces cerumen (wax) in an oily form, as natures cleansing system. So if maintenance is not provided, the benefit will diminish over time. The average life on daily wear hearing aids should be a minimum of three to five years, for customized (molded) products, but well over that if they are behind the ear, or receiver in the canal/over the ear styles. Durability and performance depend on how dry and how clean we keep the aids. Again, it doesn’t matter how long they last if you don’t continue to hear well, so this requires hearing tests and reprogramming to update annually. (unless the hearing changes dramatically due to health issues, treatments, or trauma) Swift Audiology is proud to have helped their Patients continue to hear well for the past 25 years! We remove the fear and risk by offering Free Trials, 45 day returns and 90 days to exchange to another type or upgrade for increased technology, if not satisfied with your original choice. Experience does matter when choosing a Professional. ALOT! Choose a local Practice that you can trust,with experienced and well trained Professionals, to help you find your most beneficial hearing instruments. Swift Audiology! Call 724.942.4700 or 724.222.9010 for a no cost, no obligation Hearing screening and Demo today!

Free Demo and 30 Day Free Lyric Trial Take a pair home to try in your world. All price ranges and levels of technology. Find out if you’re a Lyric Extended Wear Candidate! Peters Township 3035 Washington Rd. (Dr. Feuer/Happel Laser Bldg.) 724.942.4700

Washington 2107 N Franklin Dr. (Washington Eye Center) 724.222.9010

North Hills 5900 Corporate Dr., Ste 260 (Pittsburgh Office & Research Park Renamed: McCandless Corporate Center) 412.364.8338

25 years as your TRUSTED Hearing Healthcare providers. Leslie Dunst Debra Swift, B.C.-H.I.S. MS.-CCCA Original Founder/President Senior Audiologist 25 yr. +

Janelle Kisiday AuD. Dr. of Audiology

$1,200/per pair Savings on Daily wear Hearing Instruments (Expires August 31, 2012)

ICP812

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 83

The Stock Market and Presidential Elections W ith the Presidential election quickly approaching, the question has been asked, “How will the election affect the stock market,” and depending on the outcome, “What changes should I make in my portfolio?” Most prognosticators are saying the market will rally sometime before year-end in response to the Presidential Election – regardless of who wins. Absent a crystal ball, these insights are usually rooted in someone’s unique discovery of some kind of theme of recurring events. Investors are only human, and as such, they tend to look for patterns in certain random or seemingly unconnected events. Klaus Conrad coined the word “apophenia” that has come to represent this human tendency. This inclination can be seen in gamblers who play numbers based on their birthday, their children’s birthdays, their social security num bers, the Mayan calendar (the world didn’t end in June as predicted by the way), or any other set of numbers they may imagine to have some meaning. In the stock market, there are all kinds of theories arising from unrelated events. One example is jumping out of the market in May and reinvesting again in October. Another example is if an NFC team wins over the AFC team, the stock market will go up and if an AFC team wins, the market will go down. A final example is buying the “Dogs of the DOW” (a popular investing strategy that recommends buying DOW stocks with the 10 highest dividend yields in January and then selling them in December). A very compelling case can be made for each of these theories as well as many others. But just because you see a pattern, does not mean it will continue into the futu re. It’s interesting to look at the numbers, but the patterns are probably no more reliable than a UFO sighting, the flip of a coin, finding a 4-leaf clover for good luck, or worrying about what will happen to you on Friday the 13th. As to this year’s Presidential election year, I’ve seen a myriad of articles and conjectures as to how the market may react depending on the election outcome. However, statistics based on historical data since 1929 indicate that the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DOW) in any year is generally positive about 2/3’s of the time (66.7% to be exact). In Presidential election years, again the market has been up about 2/3’s of the time (65% to be exact). These results show no real significant difference between a Presidential Election and any other year. Whatever impact the Presidential election itself may have on the 84 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Peters Township

market will be short-lived (odds are it will go up either way). The administration’s ability to fix the economy and promote real job growth will ultimately tell which way the market will go. We all may suffer from apophenia to some degree, but a smart investor will stick to Sudoku and other puzzles as a prescription for this psychosis. Changing your investment mix due to som e pattern you see developing can ruin your financial future. In my opinion, investors should not change their current investment allocation hoping to profit from an event such as a Presidential election—it’s just another form of market timing. The stock market may be influenced by external monetary and fiscal policy, but investment returns should not be viewed as a direct result of election cycles. At H Fi nancial, our clients are diversified as to assets, managers, and styles of management (i.e. growth, value, defensive and dynamic). Selected money managers are considered world class. Portfolios typically contain U.S. large cap stocks, mid-cap stocks, and small cap stocks, global equities, emerging markets, commodities, real estate, and fixed income. Each portfolio is tailored to our client’s individua l needs, risk tolerance, and time frames. All the posturing and politics associated with a Presidential election makes it impossible to predict the outcome. There’s no way of knowing how the market will respond to election results in the short term. What we do know is: Timing the market simply does not work. A well-diversified strategic allocation based on an investor’s personal goals and risk tolera nce will work best in the long run.

This Industry Insight was written by Garrett S. Hoge. Garrett S. Hoge, RFC, CFP®, MS of H Financial Management, is a private wealth manager based in Southpointe serving the ever-changing financial needs of his clients. Please contact Garrett at H Financial Management, 400 Southpointe Blvd., #420, Canonsburg, PA 15317, Phone: 724-745-9406, Email: garrett@hfinancial.net, or via the Web: www.hfinancialmanagement.com. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, Member FINRA/SIPC • Advisory Services offered through H Financial Management. H Financial Management is not affiliated with Triad Advisors.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 85

Raising Lyme Awareness U

nless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably noticed a difference in our weather over the past twelve months. We have just had one of the mildest winters and hottest summers on record. Depending on how old you are or how long you have lived in Peters, you may not recall seeing deer frequent our back yards like they do these days, and it is unlikely you had to stop your car to wait for a fl ock of turkeys to meander across the road. It is no coincidence that these changes in our environment have contributed to the dramatic increase in tick prevalence, and a far greater need to take precautions to protect against them. If you are not already warning your children and other family members “be careful when you go outside; you may get ticks,” you had better start. Since we, as veterinarians, are charged with the task of caring for the health of animals, we have a unique perspective on the trends of parasites and diseases that affect both our pets and people. I can assure you something has changed and the population of ticks has skyrocketed. We are currently getting calls daily from people who have found one or even multiple ticks on their pet. Five years ago we got one call a month. We eve n received calls about ticks this past January and February (a highly unusual occurrence in this part of the country). That is because ticks become active and are looking to feed when the temperature is 40˚F or warmer. All summer long, clients have been constantly telling me stories about finding a tick on themselves or a family member. The threat of Lyme disease is real in both humans and our furred fr iends. It is caused by a bacteria carried by the ticks most commonly referred to as deer ticks, although scientists now identify them as blacklegged ticks. They become infected as larvae and nymphs when feeding on birds or small

mammals. It is no surprise the adult ticks prefers deer, but any stage can feed on humans and pets, potentially passing on the disease. A recent article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gaze tte stated that a doctor at Children’s Hospital estimates they saw between 60 and 70 cases of Lyme disease in 2011. Like any infectious disease the best protection is prevention. The best measures for humans are as follows. Wear strategic clothing to cover your body when engaging in outdoor activities. Use insect repellants that contain DEET. Ticks have an anesthetic in their saliva that numbs their vi ctim before they bite. Because of this you should carefully perform a “tick check” on yourself and children after being outdoors. The faster a tick is removed the better, because it has less time for the Lyme causing bacteria to be transferred. Keep wooded areas next to your yard clear of brush. Watch for signs of the telltale bull's-eye rash, the earliest and most common symptom of Lyme disease, which experts estimate anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of infected people get. If you suspect symptoms of Lyme disease, quickly voice your concerns to your physician. The best measures of prevention for pets are as follows. If possible, avoid allowing your pet to frolic in brush and heavily wooded areas. Use a topical tick preventive that has been recommended by your veterinarian. Caution, there are many prod ucts available for purchase that are not very effective and have a terribly high risk of unwanted side effects. A brand new recommendation at our clinic is to vaccinate all dogs for Lyme disease annually. Prior to this sudden shift in tick prevalence, we were only recommending the vaccine to high risk dogs, like hunting dogs or frequent campers. Although the vaccine is very good, it is not 100% effecti ve. If enough of the Lyme causing bacteria are injected into the animal, it can overwhelm the vaccine’s ability to prevent disease. Therefore, do not have a false sense of confidence from its use alone. As with ourselves, perform a thorough “tick check” on your pet after being outside and promptly remove any ticks found. Pets do not get the bull's-eye rash, like in humans. Because none of these precauti ons are completely effective, veterinary parasitologists strongly recommend that dogs living in endemic areas for Lyme have routine blood testing for the disease. To properly remove a tick from a person or animal, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp as close to the skin’s surface as possible. If not available, fingernails will suffice. Then pull upward with steady even pressure, like you are backing the t ick out. Do not twist or jerk the tick. After removal, use antibacterial soap to wash both the area and your hands. Ticks do not bury themselves in the skin; they only attach to the surface. In other words, do not go digging for the head. All other methods of tick removal are just plain old folklore. DO NOT use nail polish, Vaseline, alcohol, gasoline, heat, matches or a lighter. There is no question i n my mind that a cocktail of environmental changes has contributed to a new high in Western Pennsylvania’s tick populations. I am also certain Lyme disease is only going to continue to get worse in our area. Please protect all species of our family members from this potentially devastating disease. This Industry Insight was written by Brad Carmichael, DVM Dr. Carmichael practices at Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic, located at 211 East McMurray Rd. PVVC has been providing high quality, full service veterinary care to the Peters Township area since 1973. To schedule an appointment call 724.941.5484. To learn more about PVVC visit pvvcinc.com.

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Peters Township

The Mother of Invention By W.B. Fresa

he last thing Peters Township resident Staci Gregor thought she’d ever call herself is an inventor. But what began as a hobby has now led her to produce one of the most commonsense kitchen tools around – and people are beginning to notice. However, that’s jumping ahead. Let’s begin at the beginning. Staci hails from Philadelphia and met her husband, Rick, owner of Gregor Roofing, at Edinboro University. They’ve lived in Peters Township for 13 years and have two children, Luke and Nora, who attend the local high school. “Like a lot of Peters residents, we’re busy with work, school and activities with the kids,” said Staci. “Sometimes I think I spend more time in the car than I do my own home.” But it was her job as mom that ultimately led her to create SharkCutTM the Shrink-Wrap Attacker.

SharkCutTM is a kitchen utility tool designed to perforate the heavy shrink-wrap on cases of bottled water and other beverages, for easy-tear opening. “My kids are involved in sports,” said Staci. “And since we’re often on the go, buying cases of drinks is economical and convenient. But, taking the plastic off is so frustrating. I found myself using car keys, or anything I could get my hands on, to puncture a hole in the plastic. It became very frustrating.”

In addition to function, Staci also wanted SharkCutTM to be interesting and have personality. “My son actually gave me the idea to make it look like a shark. He found pictures of sharks on the Internet and printed them for me. I combined the two images and that was it. After about one month, SharkCutTM came to life.” With the drawing complete, Staci was able to move forward with engineering, manufacturing and package design. “I didn’t really know much about how to get my invention made,” said Staci. “But the way it came together was kind of organic. A friend put me in touch with someone she knew, and that’s how I met a plastics manufacturer, who then introduced me to a man from the University of Pittsburgh, who ultimately turned my paper drawing into a CAD (computer aided drawing). We met a couple of times at Quaker Steak & Lube and boom, SharkCutTM was now on the computer as a digital image. It was really neat.” However, Staci is quick to say she took her time and evaluated each step of the process very carefully. “There are so many things that have to happen to get an invention produced and on the market. But it has been so much fun – a true hobby I enjoy. And everyone has been so supportive and helpful. But I’ve also learned there are a lot of scams out there and people who want to take advantage you and your idea. It’s important to know what you want, stick to your plan and do your research.”

So, what’s next for SharkCutTM? Staci is hoping to get her invention more broadly recognized. “Right now, you can find them in Giant Eagle and Shop ‘n Save grocery stores throughout Western Pennsylvania. Sometimes I do in-store demonstrations, too, just to show people how easy it is to use,” said Staci. Which brings us to people taking notice of Staci’s invention and a little thing called the Stevie Award. In May, SharkCutTM was recognized by the American Business Awards and nominated as a finalist in the Best New Product of the Year category. “This nomination is such an honor and so validating in a way that will pave the road for the growth of SharkCutTM, and the launch of other novel, solution-oriented products for women and families,” said Staci. And as luck would have it, KDKA caught wind of the Stevie Award nomination and interviewed Staci for a short segment that aired on the news. “It was a blast! It’s all so exciting. I couldn’t be happier.” The Stevie Award Winners will be announced September 17 in San Francisco, CA. For more information about Staci Gregor and SharkCutTM, visit her website at www. sharkcut.com.

Staci also heard the same complaint from her friends and decided it was time to bring her idea to fruition. “I started by simply drawing it on paper. I had been envisioning it in my head for so long it didn’t require a lot of redesign,” said Staci. “I knew I wanted it to be safe, so instead of a blade, I designed a wheel with a perforated edge that could puncture thick plastic but not cut someone in the process.” Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 87

COMMUNICATION

hrough dog training we can begin to establish a working relationship and an effective way of communicating with our dog. Communication is key in any type of relationship, and if you have an ineffective way of communicating with your dog, they will become confused and may even act out. I believe that every dog and owner benefits from and deserves even the smallest amount of training. Dogs are pack animals and thrive under good leadership. If a dog doesn’t recognize a leader in their pack they will try to fill that position, which is why some dogs try to protect their owner. They think it is their job to protect the pack, because that is what the leader is meant to do. This is why you must be the leader. Being a leader is not all about how

much you love your dog; it is about respect. Dogs respect their leader and do not disrespect them. To gain the respect of your dog you must be fair and consistent. There needs to be a good balance between praise and/or reward, motivation and correction. Dogs need structure and also need to be told what is acceptable behavior and unacceptable behavior and it is our job to teach them what we expect of them. Every dog deserves to learn in a way they can understand. Sometimes people need to be careful when saying “My dog knows what they did was wrong.” Do they? Or do they just know that you are mad? Did you teach them that the specific behavior they demonstrated was wrong in a way they understand? And did you teach them what they should have done instead? Probably not. Dogs can pick up on emotions very well and they probably know you are mad, but do they know why you are mad? In some cases the dog does know what they did was wrong but physically or mentally cannot help it. For example, your dog may be potty trained and know that they must go outside, but if you leave them inside too long they will eventually have to go inside while knowing its wrong. Or, say your dog chews up your couch while you’re out. Are they purposefully trying to make you mad? No. This is a classic sign of another problem entirely and needs to be treated as such. Training is all about effectively teaching your dog what you want them to do, and what not to do. Also, it is about teaching them how to contain themselves to be able to do these things in even the most distracting places. Training takes time and patience but the rewards of a well behaved dog are worth the effort. If your dog is exhibiting any behaviors that you do not like, please call The Pooch Pitt and schedule a training consult today! I began my passion for dogs when I volunteered at a humane society for my senior project. A year after I graduated high school I began working in a kennel and started looking at how to further my education with these amazing animals. I found National K-9 School for dog trainers. This is where I earned my certificate for dog training in October 2009. I have loved every moment since then helping dogs and their owners build better relationships. I would love to meet you and your dog, so please call The Pooch Pitt today for any of our services, including Training (of course), Grooming, Daycare and Boarding! This Industry Insight was written by Kim Rask, Certified Dog Trainer at The Pooch Pitt. The Pooch Pitt opened in February and provides crate-free boarding, daycare, grooming and obedience training. We are the most conveniently located daycare and boarding facility in the South Hills, located in the St. Petersburg Center. Please visit www.thepoochpitt.com or call 724.969.4200 for more information.

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Peters Township

By Jonathan Barnes

Jim Page and Suzanne Hayden. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Pavella.

n many of life’s endeavors, a person has to make the first move in order to have a good chance at success. So it is with dancing, whether you’re a kid or an adult. That’s why in order to get involved with the Dancing with the Celebrities competition fundraiser, attorney Suzanne Hayden took the lead, and made the first step. Hayden, a Peters Township resident, approached the event’s organizers to ask if they would like her to be a celebrity contestant in the competition. Organizers of the charity event happily agreed to have her take part. After all, Hayden has the credentials as a local celebrity, of course—she is a well-known lawyer specializing in Social Security Disability issues, which she has become an expert on in the past three decades. She is an associate member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, and a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. She has a British title—Lady of English Penkelly. And best of all, she knows how to dance, having practiced ballroom dancing the past four years. In May 2011, Hayden contacted DWTC organizer Louanne O’Brien and asked to be part of the event. By November, Hayden already was practicing her routine with her new dance partner, Jim Page. He owns Night and Day Dance Studio, along Babcock Boulevard, in Ross, which is where they practiced once a week. In starting to practice so early, the partners were well ahead of their fellow competitors— most of whom started practicing for Dancing with the Celebrities in January or February of this year. The May 5 fundraiser was held at the Westin Convention Center, Downtown. By starting to practice in November, Hayden simply took advantage of the opportunity for more practice before the event. “They let you start whenever you want,” she said, adding that the couple did take some weeks off from practice during the winter holidays. Hayden is married to Canonsburg attorney James P. Liekar, with whom she has a daughter, Suzanne. They are the food editors for Ninnau and Y Drych the Welsh-American newspaper. She also belongs to the Manorial Society of Great Britain and the St. David’s Society of Pittsburgh, a Welsh heritage society, and served as its President last year. She enjoys competition, and came in second place in the 2011 Welsh Cookie Bake–off. In 2010 she placed second for her tapestry cushion in the “How Welsh are You” competition held jointly by the University of Oklahoma and the National Museum of Wales. She has served on several boards over the years and has volunteered for many charities. These days,

“I love dancing, it’s one of my hobbies,” she said. That isn’t to say that she found learning her dance routine for the competition to be easy, but rather, far from it. She and Page performed a routine featuring a modified Fox Trot. “It’s technically Fox Trot music, but we’re trying to do it with the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers style,” Hayden said. “It’s very very difficult.” A student of Erich Ruf, an instructor with Arthur Murray School of Dance in South Hills, Hayden isn’t a stranger to the dance floor, nor to performing. She’s performed in front of a group through her training, and also has done some modeling for charities. In the Dancing with the Celebrities competition, the couple danced to the tune “Hit Me With A Hot Note,” by Duke Ellington. The performance had a more dramatic flair than other performances that visitors saw that night, Hayden said. “It’s more like show dancing, like Broadway dancing—more of a stage-type dancing,” Hayden said. Congratulations to the 2012 First Place winners Christina Cochran with instructor Dmitry Demidov, Suzanne Hayden with instructor Jim Page for Second Place, and Bob Pompeani with instructor Sandra Lee Romah for Third Place, and to Shannon Salicce with instructor Bill Kumer for winning the Judge’s Prestigious Award.

Hayden’s Interest Leads to Dancing with the Celebrities Competition she volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate of Beaver County. Hayden earned her B.A. degrees from Chatham University and California University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. degree from Capital University. She has studied history at the City of London Polytechnic, London, England, law at the University of Exeter/William and Mary – Marshall Wythe School of Law, Exeter England, French at Laval University, Quebec, Canada, and has taken courses at Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH and the University of Wales at Lampeter. She has taken ballroom dancing lessons on and off for four years. Despite having many hats to wear as a professional, spouse, and mother, Hayden approached the task of learning a routine for the fundraising event—which pits local “celebrities” and their professional instructor dance partners against each other in competition—with gusto. The busy attorney seized the opportunity as a way to have some fun and also help the community by contributing to local charities.

Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 89

o t s e Com

Pittsburgh

“Lights, Camera, Action!” Three of the most popular words heard in Hollywood are now being used in and around the Pittsburgh area. Paparazzi have been buzzing around town snapping shots of Tom Cruise and his family ice skating at PPG Place and enjoying milkshakes at the Milkshake Factory, Kathryn Heigl eating dinner at PF Chang’s, Emma Watson shopping at Barnes & Noble, Kate Walsh watching a movie at the Waterfront and Taylor Lautner taking in a Pirates game at PNC Park.

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ovie makers and television producers are starting to refer to Pittsburgh as the Hollywood of the East. And, with the recent announcement of the partnership between 31st Studios, Paramount on Location and Knight Vision Studios, Pittsburgh can boast the largest sound stage outside of New York and Los Angeles. This is quite an impressive feat for the City of Champions! This past summer, the movie “Perks of Being a Wallflower” was being filmed at several different locations just a few miles from my house. My mom is an avid Kate Walsh fan and dragged me along to scope out the locations in hopes of getting a glimpse of Kate and the other cast members. As soon as I saw the actors, trailers, lights and

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Peters Township

cameras, I became mesmerized with watching how a movie is made. It was also exciting to know that a major motion picture was being filmed in Upper St. Clair, the neighborhood next to mine. One night, we watched a King’s Restaurant be transformed into an 80’s style Bob’s Big Boy including a parking lot filled with 80’s style cars. Scenes from “Perks of Being a Wallflower” were also shot in neighborhoods in Upper St. Clair and at the Hollywood Theater, Peters Township High School and the Bethel Presbyterian Church. Two other movies were also shooting at the same time in Pittsburgh last summer. “Still I Rise” with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis was shooting in Oakland, Shadyside and Lawrenceville. And, “The Dark Knight Rises” with Christian Bale and Joseph

Tom Cruise literally stopped traffic and closed streets in and around Pittsburgh this past fall and winter to film his new action thriller “One Shot.” The movie has shut down bridges and caused traffic jams on the Southside, 10th Street Bridge and many other streets in the city. The movie also filmed some scenes on the campus of Duquesne University.

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by Sandra Hickey

Gordon-Levitt was shooting in downtown Pittsburgh and Heinz Field. Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward even has a small role in this movie. With all of the excitement in town, I quickly began to develop an interest in how many movies have been filmed in Pittsburgh and why our city has become a popular town for movie directors and television producers. Tom Cruise literally stopped traffic and closed streets in and around Pittsburgh this past fall and winter to film his new action thriller “One Shot.” The movie, due to be released in December, has has shut down bridges and caused traffic jams on the Southside, 10th Street Bridge and many other streets in the city. The movie also filmed some scenes on the campus of Duquesne University. ccording to Dawn Keezer, Director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, “The recent influx in production is a direct result of the success we’ve had with the film tax credit

program in Pennsylvania. The film tax credit has put Pittsburgh on the map and now every major studio is considering southwestern Pennsylvania for their next production.” The Pittsburgh Film Office was created in 1990 and has assisted with over 100 major feature and television projects. “The primary function of the Pittsburgh Film Office is to assist production companies with location scouting, crew and resource identification, logistical planning, and problem solving. “The Film Office also markets the Greater Pittsburgh area to attract production companies, serves as a liaison between film companies and the community and provides local personnel with information about upcoming productions,” said Jessica Conner, Assistant Director of the Pittsburgh Film Office. Pittsburgh offers many other cost saving

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Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 91

Continued from previous page incentives to producers who are interested in filming here. Shooting in a state-owned building such as the Allegheny County Courthouse built in the 1800s is free. As a comparison, in Los Angeles, producers need to apply for permits for all locations before they are allowed to film a movie. These tax incentives and cost savings are available for major films, independent filmmakers and documentaries which make it less costly and easier to film in Pittsburgh. According to Popular Pittsburgh, the first motion picture to be filmed in Pittsburgh was the “Perils of Pauline” in 1914. Several of the movies filmed in Pittsburgh have become award winning films. “The Deer Hunter” filmed in 1978 won five Academy Awards. “The Silence of the Lambs” filmed in 1991 also won five academy awards. Other box office hits have been shot on location in Pittsburgh such as “Unstoppable,” “Love and Other Drugs,” “Inspector Gadget,” “Striking Distance” and “Night of the Living Dead.” here are many great shooting locations in and around the Pittsburgh area including the glass skyscrapers at PPG Place, the historic mansions in Oakland and Squirrel Hill, and rustic log cabins, forests and lakes in the area. All of these locations are easier to access than in larger cities such as New York and Chicago. You can easily drive from an urban setting in downtown Pittsburgh to the farm country of Washington County in less than 30 minutes. Oftentimes, these locations are transformed into other cities around the world for the filming of a movie. For example, Pittsburgh became Baltimore

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for the shooting of “The Silence of the Lambs,” San Francisco for “Desperate Measures” and Chicago for “Hoffa.” Pittsburgh has also played itself in several major movies such as “The Deer Hunter,” a movie about a steel worker in the Vietnam era. Jennifer Beals helped to showcase Pittsburgh in “Flashdance.” In 1993, Pittsburgh’s three rivers were used to film “Striking Distance” starring Bruce Willis in a story about a Pittsburgh cop searching for his father’s killer. In 2010, Russell Crowe shot the movie “The Next Three Days,” a story set in Pittsburgh about a college professor trying to break his wife out of jail. Independent filmmakers looking for a less costly place to film movies and documentaries come to Pittsburgh. ameras were rolling again this spring and summer with two major motion picture projects in Pittsburgh. “Promised Land” written by and starring Matt Damon, began production in April. The film also stars John Krasinski and Rosemarie DeWitt. “Out of the Furnace,” starring Christian Bale, Robert Duvall and Zoe Saldana, also began shooting in Braddock in April. This is an exciting time to be living in Pittsburgh if you are an aspiring actor or film student, or if you just want to experience a major movie or television show being filmed up close and personal. “People think that to make movies you have to live in New York or Los Angeles. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are busier in Pittsburgh sometimes more than in LA! We have hundreds of crew members in Pittsburgh that make a full time living working on movies. Someone just has to do their research and know what productions are in their town. Apply, and when you get that first job, work as hard as you can!” said Conner.

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Professional Neighborhood Providers In Peters Township

Located at 451 Valleybrook Rd. ~ (Mortland Physical Therapy Building)

Mortland Physical Therapy When you become a patient at Mortland Physical Therapy, they commit to a Patient Pledge to provide you with an individualized treatment plan and to treat you with respect and care. Whether you are recovering from an injury or are an amateur or professional athlete, they pledge to find the best way to deliver the skilled assistance you need to achieve your goals. Mark Mortland, who has treated and trained professional hockey players since 1995, and his staff at Mortland Physical Therapy specialize in providing Physical Therapy, Personal Training, Sports Performance and Athletic Training for the athlete and fan in all of us! 451 Valleybrook Road is also the home of the Peters Township Athletic Club. This club is a state-of-the-art facility offering members the use of new Nautilus equipment, free weights and cardio equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers and exercise bikes. Meticulously maintained changing areas with showers are the standard at this unmatched facility. Give them a call today!

724.942.8990 / www.mortlandpt.com

It’s time you raised the “barre” on your workout! Introducing Pilates Barre Classes at The Pilates Body.

724.941.2411 www.thepilatesbody.org 451 Valleybrook Road

The Barre class is a combination of traditional pilates mat work and the muscle-shaping isometrics of ballet barre exercises. This non-impact, one-hour workout will target all major muscle groups resulting in sculpted arms, flat abs, a lifted seat, and elongated thighs. This is a total body workout! Peters Township | August/September 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 93

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eters Township

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